Profile Connector with Adjustable Clamping Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for profile pieces in trade fair and exhibition construction are complex to handle, limiting flexibility during assembly and requiring alternative solutions for easier and more flexible connections.
Innovation Solution
A connecting element with two clamping elements and an actuating element that allows for relative movement, featuring a spring mechanism or locking ring for adjustable clamping and holding connections, enabling easier assembly and increased flexibility by providing both clamping and holding sides for secure profile engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing connecting devices are used, then connection functionality is provided, but handling complexity increases and assembly flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device is divided into two separate clamping elements (first clamping element and second clamping element) that can be independently positioned and adjusted. Each clamping element has its own connecting pieces that can engage with the profile channels separately, allowing for simplified handling and assembly while maintaining connection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The distance between the first and second clamping elements is made adjustable through the actuating element, allowing the connector to adapt to different profile configurations and assembly requirements. This dynamic adjustment capability increases assembly flexibility without significantly increasing device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing connecting devices are used, then profile connection is achieved, but assembly flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating element enables dynamic adjustment of the distance between the two clamping elements, allowing the connector to adapt to various profile spacings and assembly configurations. This enhances assembly flexibility while maintaining ease of operation through a single adjustment mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting device can accommodate different profile types and configurations through its adjustable clamping elements that can engage with various channel positions. The same connector design can handle multiple assembly scenarios, increasing versatility without requiring multiple specialized tools.
3Strength
If clamping elements are made secure for force transmission, then connection strength increases, but handling difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection strength is achieved through multiple connecting pieces distributed across two separate clamping elements, which engage with the profile channels at different positions. This segmented approach distributes the force transmission load while keeping each individual clamping element simple and easy to handle.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating element serves as an intermediary mechanism that enables secure engagement of the clamping elements with the profiles while maintaining ease of operation. By controlling the distance adjustment between clamping elements, it facilitates both strong connection and simple handling.
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 simplifies the handling and assembly process by providing a flexible and secure connection system that can transmit larger forces, allowing for easier alignment and movement of profile pieces while maintaining a secure hold, thus enhancing user experience and assembly efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the element supporting the relative movement is a spring means which is arranged between the first clamping element and the second clamping element and thus presses the two clamping elements apart
Data Source
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AI summary
A connecting element is used to detachably connect two sections of profiles (6, 7) extending parallel along the respective longitudinal axes (60) thereof and having mutually facing surfaces (62), in each of which a channel (61) having an elongated undercut is provided. The connecting element (1) has a first clamping element (2) and a second clamping element (3). The first clamping element (2) comprises two opposing outer contact surfaces (26) for said sections of the two profiles, wherein the corresponding opposing contact surfaces (36) of the second clamping element (3) are aligned with those of the first clamping element (2). Each clamping element (2, 3) comprises at least one connecting piece (20, 30), which protrudes from one of the contact surfaces (26, 36) and has a clamping side (21, 31) directed at the plane of said contact surface, wherein at least one connecting piece (20, 30) projects from another of the opposing contact surfaces (26, 36) such that it can protrude into the channel (61) of the one profile piece (6) and the other into the channel (61) of the other profile piece (7). The first clamping element (2) can be displaced with respect to the second clamping element (3) in the direction of the plane of the contact surfaces (26, 36). Furthermore, an actuating element (5) is provided, which limits the relative movement of the clamping elements (2, 3) to each other and by which the distance of the clamping elements (2, 3) to each other can be set for the profile sections to engage through the clamping sides (21, 31) for a clamping connection.