Rotatable Profile Connector for Tool-Free Crosswise Clamping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting elements for profile elements lack effective clamping action and require additional tools for connection, limiting their efficiency and versatility in forming assembly groups with multiple profile elements.
Innovation Solution
A connecting element with rotatable first and second connecting portions, each with clamping faces configured to extend obliquely or crosswise, allowing for a press fit and clamping action without additional tools, enabling the connection of profile elements that can extend obliquely or crosswise relative to each other.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a connecting element is designed to connect profile elements, then connection functionality is achieved, but clamping action is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is divided into two separate connecting portions (first and second connecting portions) that can be independently configured. Each portion has its own clamping faces that can be optimized for specific clamping requirements, allowing the element to connect profile elements at different orientations while maintaining strong clamping action on each side independently
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second connecting portions are configured with asymmetric orientations relative to each other, enabling the connecting element to connect profile elements that extend obliquely or crosswise. This asymmetric design allows each clamping face to be optimally positioned for its specific connection direction, improving overall clamping effectiveness without requiring a symmetric design that would compromise either connection
2Ease of operation
If additional tools are required for connection, then precise alignment is achieved, but operation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is designed to perform alignment and connection functions without requiring external tools. The first and second connecting portions are configured to automatically align with the profile elements through their geometric relationships, and the clamping faces self-adjust during the connection process to achieve precise alignment and secure clamping simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element incorporates rotational capability about an axis of rotation, allowing it to dynamically adjust its orientation during the connection process. This dynamic adjustment enables the connecting element to automatically align with profile elements at different angles and achieve proper positioning without external intervention, while maintaining manufacturing precision through controlled rotation
3Adaptability or versatility
If the connecting element is designed for simple linear connection, then manufacturing is easy, but versatility in forming assembly groups is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is designed with universal adaptability to connect profile elements in multiple configurations (linear, oblique, and crosswise arrangements). The first and second connecting portions can be configured in different angular relationships, allowing a single connecting element design to serve multiple assembly group formation requirements without requiring tool-specific or configuration-specific variants
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element extends beyond simple linear connection by incorporating rotational capability and multi-directional clamping faces. This adds angular and spatial dimensions to the connection capability, enabling the element to form assembly groups in three-dimensional space with various orientations and configurations, significantly increasing versatility while maintaining a relatively simple basic structure
Data Source
AI summary
A connecting element for connecting at least two profile elements, wherein the connecting element is rotatable about an axis of rotation to produce a clamping force, wherein the connecting element has at least one first connecting section and at least one second connecting section, which are each designed to be received in one of the profile elements, wherein the first connecting section has at least one first clamping face, wherein the at least one first clamping face has a predetermined clamping contour, wherein the second connecting section has at least one second clamping face, wherein the first clamping face faces the second connecting section and the second clamping face faces the first connecting section, wherein the first connecting section and the second connecting section are formed such that the profile elements connected by the connecting element extend obliquely relative to each other or crosswise.