Plug-in Connector Elastic Stop Elements for Insulating Glass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug-in connectors for hollow sections of spacer frames in insulating glass panes face issues with stopping function reliability and sealing efficiency due to reliance on deflected spring bosses, which are sensitive to tolerances and require significant deflection for effective operation.
Innovation Solution
A plug-in connector design featuring two separate elastic stop elements arranged diagonally opposite each other, which yield elastically to provide a reliable stopping function without deflection, and a recess for sealant passage, enhancing sealing and mechanical stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If deflected spring bosses are used as stop elements, then the stopping function can be achieved, but the sensitivity to tolerances and requirement for significant deflection reduces reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the stop elements from laterally deflected spring bosses to elastically yieldable elements with vertical deflection capability. This parameter change allows the stop elements to accommodate tolerance variations without requiring precise lateral alignment, thereby reducing sensitivity to manufacturing tolerances while maintaining reliable stopping function.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the stop elements deflect laterally as in conventional designs, the patent inverts the deflection direction to be essentially vertical or transverse to the wall plane. This inversion allows the stop elements to yield elastically during insertion without requiring significant lateral deflection, improving reliability while reducing tolerance sensitivity.
2Reliability
If multiple stop elements are arranged in pairs on both sides of the connection point, then the stopping function is provided, but the resistance during pushing on increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the stop elements from the conventional paired arrangement on both sides of the connection point and repositions them to be arranged essentially in the plane of the wall, directed opposite to each other. This extraction and repositioning reduces the number of actively engaged stop elements during insertion, thereby reducing pushing resistance while maintaining the stopping function through the elastic yieldability of the remaining elements.
3Ease of operation
If the stop elements are arranged diagonally opposite each other in the plane of the side wall, then the insertion resistance is reduced and alignment is maintained, but the stopping function must be achieved without significant deflection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the stop elements elastically yieldable rather than rigid. The stop elements can dynamically adapt their position during insertion by yielding elastically in the vertical or transverse direction, allowing them to maintain the diagonal opposite arrangement for low insertion resistance while still providing an effective stopping function without requiring significant permanent deflection.
4Reliability
If a recess for sealant passage is added, then sealing efficiency is improved, but the production complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the recess for sealant passage with the existing connector structure, integrating the sealing function into the connector body rather than adding it as a separate component. The recess is formed as part of the connector part geometry, allowing sealant to pass through and contact the inner wall of the hollow section, thereby improving sealing efficiency without significantly increasing production complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution improves stopping reliability and sealing efficiency by reducing resistance during insertion, maintaining alignment of hollow sections, and providing a three-sided seal without compromising mechanical strength or increasing production complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic stop elements can yield elastically during the slipping over of a hollow section, whereby they move transversely to their lengthwise extension or essentially in the plane of its associated side wall
Data Source
AI summary
A plug-in connection (1) is provided for hollow profiled elements (2) of spacer holding frames for insulating glass panes. The plug-in connector (1) has at least one connector part (3, 4) including an essentially U-shaped or box-type cross-section, having lateral walls (15, 16), at least one central wall (14), and, on the connection point (8), a central abutment (18) with a plurality of elastic abutment elements (19, 20), on the edge region of the lateral walls (15, 16). The central abutment includes two mutually oriented individual abutment elements (19, 20) which are arranged on both sides of the connection point (8), each on a lateral wall (15, 16), and have a cushioning effect essentially in the plane of the associated lateral wall (15, 16) thereof. The lateral wall (15, 16) have a recess (26) beneath the abutment element (19, 20).