Profile Edge Fixing Aid for Curved Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods face difficulties in attaching profile elements to the edge areas of curved or irregularly shaped installation openings in walls or ceilings to achieve a uniform and attractive external appearance, especially when elongated lights are installed, as it is challenging to maintain consistent spacing along the longitudinal extension.
Innovation Solution
An aid with a fixing element featuring L-shaped profile elements and clamping elements with specific contact surfaces allows for precise positioning and secure fastening of profile elements to opposite edge regions, using a clamping mechanism that includes a spacer for gap formation and screw connections for easy handling and secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If profile elements are attached to curved or irregularly shaped wall or ceiling areas to create elongated luminaires, then the aesthetic appearance and design flexibility are improved, but the manufacturing precision and consistency of spacing between profile elements deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a spacing template as an intermediary tool between the installer and the profile elements. This template physically enforces consistent spacing by providing fixed-distance contact surfaces that guide the placement of profile elements along curved or irregular surfaces, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while adapting to complex geometries
Solution Approach 2:
The spacing template is designed with adjustable parameters including variable spacing distances and adaptable contact surface configurations. This allows the same tool to maintain precise spacing across different curvature radii and surface geometries, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and precision by enabling parameter adjustment to match specific installation requirements
2Manufacturing precision
If a spacing template is used to maintain consistent distance between profile elements, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spacing template is segmented into modular components including separate contact surfaces, spacing elements, and attachment mechanisms. This segmentation allows the complex function of maintaining precise spacing on curved surfaces to be achieved through simple, independent parts that can be easily manufactured, assembled, and adjusted without requiring a monolithic complex structure
3Ease of operation
If L-shaped profile elements are used with contact surfaces for positioning, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The L-shaped profile elements incorporate integrated contact surfaces that automatically engage with corresponding surfaces on the spacing template. This self-aligning mechanism eliminates the need for complex adjustment tools or procedures, as the geometry itself guides correct positioning, thereby improving ease of operation without requiring proportionally complex fixing elements
Data Source
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AI summary
The device comprises a fixing element (4) for fixing a profile element (6) at a peripheral area (8) of the installation opening. The fixing element has a contact surface (10) for placing the fixing element on the profile element, and another contact surface (12) for placing another profile element (14) on the fixing element. An independent claim is also included for a method for fastening of profile elements to peripheral areas of an installation opening in a wall or ceiling area.