Post-Beam T-Connection Structure for Heavy Glazing Loads

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing T-connections for post-transom constructions in facades, skylight roofs, and winter gardens lack sufficient load-bearing capacity and stability, particularly in supporting heavy glass or filling weights, and fail to effectively absorb torsional moments and deflections.

Innovation Solution

A T-connection system featuring pin-shaped connecting elements fastened to a post profile with a connector, a connection profile that can be positively plugged into the transom profile, and a holding profile with threaded holes, providing a stable and secure attachment that absorbs torsional moments and reduces deflection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional T-connections are used for post-transom constructions, then the structure can be assembled, but the load-bearing capacity is insufficient to support heavy glass or filling weights

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload-bearing capacityVSAvoidstability under heavy loads
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting device is divided into multiple functional components: a connecting profile with insertion areas, multiple pin-shaped connecting elements distributed at predetermined positions, and a retaining profile. This segmentation allows each component to contribute specifically to load distribution and structural stability, enabling the connection to support heavy glass or filling weights effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting device combines different material properties and structural forms - the connecting profile provides a rigid framework, while the pin-shaped connecting elements (which can be threaded or smooth) offer flexible connection options. This composite approach creates a connection system with superior load-bearing capacity compared to conventional single-structure connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If conventional T-connections are used, then assembly is possible, but the connection fails to effectively absorb torsional moments and deflections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorsional moment absorptionVSAvoidconnection structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting profile incorporates wave-shaped areas with lateral receiving areas in addition to the primary insertion areas. This dimensional expansion from simple linear insertion to multi-directional receiving areas enables the connection to absorb torsional moments and deflections occurring in multiple planes, significantly improving stability without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The pin-shaped connecting elements are positioned at predetermined arrangements and orientations within the connecting profile before final assembly. This preliminary positioning ensures that the connection is pre-configured to absorb torsional moments and deflections, providing enhanced stability from the moment of assembly rather than requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If multiple connecting elements are used to improve load-bearing capacity, then the connection becomes more stable, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting profile integrates multiple insertion areas and lateral receiving areas into a single unified component that can accommodate multiple pin-shaped connecting elements. The retaining profile similarly combines multiple fastening functions. This merging approach achieves high connection stability through multiple connection points while avoiding the complexity of separate discrete components for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting profile serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, accommodates multiple pin-shaped connecting elements at predetermined positions, absorbs torsional moments through wave-shaped areas, and enables precise positioning. This multi-functionality achieves high reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity, as one component performs all critical connection tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4012132B1T-connection for post-beam structure and a post-beam structure with such a t-connection
Publication Date: 2024.03.06 RAICO BAUTECHN
  • EP4012132B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4012132B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4012132B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a T-connection for post-and-beam constructions of facades, skylights, and conservatories, which includes a connecting device for the positive-locking connection of a beam profile (2) to a post profile (1). The connecting device comprises several pin-shaped connecting elements (11) that can be attached to a side wall (5) of the post profile (1) in a predetermined pattern and a connecting profile (12) that can be positively fitted onto the pin-shaped connecting elements (11) and inserted into the beam profile (2). The connecting profile has several insertion areas (25, 26) adapted to the outer contour of the pin-shaped connecting elements (11) and their arrangement for insertion and positive-locking reception of the pin-shaped connecting elements (11).