Profile Coupling Assembly With Hidden High-Strength Groove Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing profile coupling arrangements require a large number of visible coupling elements, occupy installation space, and are prone to deformation and reduced pull-out strength, especially when using screw-threaded sleeves for angular connections.
Innovation Solution
A profile coupling arrangement utilizing a coupling body and tension bolt, with a recess contour in the profile part's longitudinal groove, allowing for a hidden, high-strength connection that maintains groove integrity and prevents unintentional unscrewing, using a standard screw as the tension bolt and internal bore thread for additional stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional coupling elements (angle connectors, parallel connectors) are used to connect profile parts at different angles, then the connection functionality is improved, but the device complexity and number of visible elements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides angular connection capability, acts as a counterbearing, and serves as a mounting surface for additional components. This eliminates the need for separate angle connectors and reduces the total number of elements required.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element is designed to be universally applicable for different connection scenarios (angular connections, parallel connections, mounting points) by incorporating a T-slot that can accommodate various orientations and a flat contact surface that serves as both a bearing surface and a mounting base.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional coupling elements are used for angular connections, then the connection versatility is improved, but the installation space outside the longitudinal groove is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element is inserted into the existing longitudinal groove of the profile part, nesting within the available space rather than adding external protrusions. This allows additional components to be mounted on the coupling element without occupying additional external installation space.
3Device complexity
If a self-tapping threaded sleeve is screwed into the longitudinal groove for connection, then the connection simplicity is improved, but the longitudinal groove deforms and widens
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element acts as an intermediary component that distributes the loading and fastening forces across a larger area of the profile part, preventing localized deformation and widening of the longitudinal groove that would occur with direct threaded sleeve insertion.
4Ease of operation
If a self-tapping threaded sleeve is used for connection, then the installation simplicity is improved, but the pull-out strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element is first inserted into the longitudinal groove to establish a stable, pre-positioned connection point. This preliminary action creates a robust foundation that maintains groove integrity and provides superior pull-out resistance before any additional fastening operations are performed.
5Ease of operation
If a self-tapping threaded sleeve is used for connection, then the installation ease is improved, but the risk of unscrewing during installation or use increases
Solution Approach 1:
The problematic self-tapping threaded sleeve is extracted from the connection solution and replaced with a coupling element that provides equivalent or superior connection capabilities without the risk of unscrewing. The coupling element's design inherently prevents unintended loosening while maintaining ease of installation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a profiled coupling assembly which is designed to connect a component (14) to a profiled part (1) on an end face (2) of the profiled part (1). The profiled part (1) has a longitudinal groove (4) along at least one longitudinal face (3), said longitudinal groove being accessible from the end face (2). The assembly comprises the profiled part (1), a coupling body (5), and a tension bolt (6); the profiled part (1) comprises the end face (2) and the longitudinal face (3) with a longitudinal groove (4); and the groove wall of the longitudinal groove (4) has a contoured recess (7) which has a planar support surface (8) that is arranged transversely to a main longitudinal axis of the profiled part (1) and opposite the end face (2). The coupling body (5) is arranged in the contoured recess (7) and has a first flat surface (12), a second flat surface (13) substantially parallel thereto, a lateral contour (9), and a bore (10), wherein the first flat surface (12) is parallel to the support surface (8) of the contoured recess (7) and together therewith forms a support pressure contact, the lateral contour (9) is designed to correspond to the contoured recess (7), the bore (10) is perpendicular to the flat surfaces and is arranged longitudinally to the main longitudinal axis of the profiled part (1), and the tension bolt (6) has a coupling connection and is designed to provide an axial tensile force between the coupling body (5) and the component (14).