Construction Profile Connector With Elastic Suspension Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connectors for construction profiles in dry construction and sanitary applications face issues such as permanent deformation during tightening, requiring significant force, and limited versatility in connecting angles and profiles, making them difficult to reuse and inefficient in design.

Innovation Solution

A connector with parallel face plates and a suspension member featuring a pair of bases connected by a longitudinal elastic arm, allowing for flexible assembly and connection at various angles without a connecting base, using sheet metal face plates and a plastic suspension member for strength and ease of production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the connector is tightly fastened using known connectors with face plates connected by a base or hinges, then the connection strength is improved, but the face plates deform permanently and require significant tightening force

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidtightening force
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The face plates are connected by a dynamic suspension mechanism with elastic elements that allow controlled movement and absorption of tightening forces, preventing permanent deformation while maintaining connection strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Elastic suspension elements are pre-installed between the face plates to cushion and absorb the tightening forces before they can cause permanent deformation, enabling easier tightening while preserving structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Volume of moving object

If the connector is designed with a triangular base shape for compactness, then the device size is reduced, but it can only connect profiles at one defined angle (usually right angle)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector sizeVSAvoidconnection angle versatility
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The suspension mechanism enables the face plates to dynamically adjust their relative positions and angles, allowing the compact triangular connector to connect profiles at various angles while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connector is designed to perform multiple functions by connecting profiles at different angles through the same compact triangular structure, eliminating the need for multiple specialized connectors

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

3Stability of the object's composition

If the connector is firmly tightened to straight longitudinal grooves, then the connection stability is improved, but the face plates with curved edges cannot align properly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidface plate alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The suspension mechanism allows the face plates to dynamically adjust and align their curved edges with straight longitudinal grooves during tightening, achieving both proper alignment and stable connection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connector allows changes in the relative position and orientation parameters of the face plates during the tightening process, enabling curved edges to align with straight grooves while maintaining connection stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 connector provides flexible assembly and increased versatility in connecting multiple profiles at different angles without deformation, using sheet metal for strength and plastic for corrosion resistance, allowing for efficient and reusable connections.

Implementation Method 1

the suspension member comprises a pair of bases for connection with the face plates, which are interconnected by at least one cushioning elastic element formed by a longitudinal elastic arm which is bent when assembled, thus facilitating the handling of the connector during assembly of the construction profiles. The longitudinal elastic arm movably elastically connects the opposing bases of the suspension member so that it bends as they approach each other and straightens when they move away from each other.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4148198B1Connector for construction profiles
Publication Date: 2024.05.08 ALCADRAIN SRO
  • EP4148198B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4148198B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4148198B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a connector for construction profiles (4), in particular for dry construction of buildings and sanitary appliances, which comprises a pair of face plates (1a, 1b) arranged in parallel, each of which is provided with at least two curved edges (11) for attachment to construction profiles, wherein the connector further comprises a clamping element (3) which transversely connects the face plates (1a, 1b), and at least one suspension member (2) is arranged between the face plates. The suspension member (2) comprises a pair of bases (21a, 21b), each of which is arranged on at least part of the inner surface of the respective face plate (1a, 1b), the bases (21a, 21b) being interconnected by at least one suspension elastic element (24).