Profile Element with Inwardly Bent Flanges for Dual-Side Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing metal profile elements and fastening systems lack versatility in anchoring, as they are not effectively designed to accommodate anchoring elements on both the upper and bottom sides, limiting their application in strut rail systems.
Innovation Solution
A metal elongate profile element with inwardly bent flanges and oblong recesses, combined with a fastening unit featuring an oblong anchoring element and tensioning means, allows for secure anchoring on both the upper and bottom sides by aligning the anchoring element with the longitudinal slot or recesses and engaging the flanges or recess edges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the profile element is designed with conventional flanges and recesses, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the anchoring versatility is limited and cannot accommodate anchoring elements on both upper and bottom sides
Solution Approach 1:
The profile element is designed with symmetric features: the bottom has oblong recesses with inturned edges, and the upper side has flanges with inturned free ends. Both configurations can receive and anchor the same oblong anchoring element, allowing the profile to serve multiple anchoring functions (upper and bottom) with a single unified design approach, thereby achieving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The profile element is divided into distinct functional zones: the bottom with oblong recesses for anchoring, and the upper side with flanges and longitudinal slots for anchoring or guiding purposes. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity and manufacturing simplicity
2Reliability
If the flanges are bent inwards to create anchoring engagement, then the anchoring security is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flanges and recess edges are pre-bent into the required inward configuration during profile manufacturing, rather than requiring post-installation adjustment or assembly. This preliminary formation of the anchoring geometry ensures reliable engagement with the anchoring element while consolidating the manufacturing process into a single integrated operation
Solution Approach 2:
The flanges are bent at specific angles to create the inward-facing free ends that engage with the anchoring element. By optimizing the bend angle and geometry parameters, the design achieves secure anchoring engagement while maintaining compatibility with standard profile manufacturing processes
3Ease of operation
If the anchoring element width is made slightly smaller than the longitudinal slot width, then the ease of insertion is improved, but the anchoring strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring element width is made slightly smaller than the longitudinal slot width, providing just enough clearance for easy insertion while maintaining sufficient contact area between the anchoring element and the flanges/recesses to ensure adequate anchoring strength. This partial interference fit balances insertion ease with holding strength
Data Source
AI summary
An elongate profile element has a bottom, sidewalls extending from the bottom substantially at right angles and an upper side opposite the bottom. The upper side comprises flanges which extend from the respective sidewalls towards each other and delimit between them a longitudinal slot extending over the length of the profile element. The flanges are bended inwards such that the free end of the flanges is directed towards the bottom and extends in a direction substantially at right angles with the bottom. The bottom is provided with spaced apart oblong recesses, which have longitudinal side edges which are bended inwards such that the free end of said edges extends towards the upper side in a direction substantially at right angles with the bottom.