Profile Connector With Gaps For Stable Attachment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connectors for profiled bars are limited in their ability to securely attach to both open and closed profile bars, making it difficult to cut and handle open profile bars effectively, as they lack stability and require complex handling procedures.

Innovation Solution

A connector design featuring parallel gaps in the intermediate piece for receiving the profile bar's wall sections, combined with a clamping lever mechanism and projections for force-locking contact, allows for easy attachment and reduced deformation of open profile bars, enabling efficient cutting and machining on-site.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If closed profile rods are used, then connector attachment is possible, but cutting to length becomes time-consuming and causes deformation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector attachment reliabilityVSAvoidcutting efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The profile bar is segmented into open and closed sections, allowing the open side to be used for core insertion during cutting while the closed section provides stable connector attachment. This segmentation enables simultaneous achievement of easy cutting and reliable connector mounting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If open profile bars are used, then cutting to length becomes easier, but connector attachment becomes unstable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting efficiencyVSAvoidconnector attachment stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is designed with dual functionality: it can attach to both open and closed profile bar sections. The intermediate piece with gaps provides support for open sections while maintaining clamping capability, making the connector universally applicable regardless of profile bar configuration.

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

3Reliability

If a resilient spacer is used in the connector, then open profile bars can be supported, but handling complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprofile bar supportVSAvoidconnector handling
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient spacer automatically adjusts to the profile bar dimensions when inserted, providing self-adjusting support without requiring manual adjustment or complex handling procedures. The spacer's elasticity enables it to conform to different profile bar sizes automatically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 stable and reliable attachment to both open and closed profile bars, facilitating easy cutting and machining without deformation, improving user handling and reducing manufacturing costs.

Implementation Method 1

The spacer is designed to be resilient and can be moved from a protruding position into a retracted position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The at least one fastening means, with which the plates are connected, is designed as a clamping lever mechanism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

additional projections to be formed on the corner regions of the plates, which can be brought into force-locking contact with the wall sections of the channel-shaped profile bar

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP1780345B1Connector for u-shaped section members and connection assembly
Publication Date: 2011.06.22 VIEGA GMBH & CO KG
  • EP1780345B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1780345B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1780345B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The connector for C-profile rails (2, 3) used to build sanitary installations comprises two vertical parallel plates (4, 5) which are bolted together with a horizontal plate (6) between. These fit diagonally between the profiles to hold them together at right angles. The plates have lips (41, 51) which fit into grooves (31) on the lips of the profiles. There are gaps (9) between the vertical and horizontal plates, into which the lips (32) of the profiles fit. An independent claim is included for connecting systems comprising the profiles and connector.