Profiled Bar With Segmented Attachment Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing profiled bars for false ceiling frames lack adequate mechanical stress distribution at connection points, relying heavily on a single retention tooth that presses on the weakest central area of the rib, leading to insufficient stability and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A profiled bar design featuring a 'T' section with a coupling aperture and attachment element that engages at two separate, distanced points, using a flexible tongue with recesses and projections to distribute stress across stronger areas of the rib, rather than the central line, ensuring a more stable connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single retention tooth is used to connect profiled bars, then the device complexity is reduced, but the mechanical strength and stress distribution at connection points deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The single retention tooth connection is segmented into multiple retention teeth (at least two) distributed along the rib. This segmentation divides the connection function into multiple discrete elements, allowing stress to be distributed across multiple contact points rather than concentrated on a single tooth, thereby improving mechanical strength while maintaining relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention teeth are positioned at specific locations along the rib (not uniformly distributed) to optimize stress distribution at critical connection points. This local quality approach places connection elements where they are most needed to handle mechanical loads, improving strength without requiring uniform complexity throughout the entire structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If the retention tooth presses on the centreline area of the rib, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability of the connection deteriorates due to the weakest point
Solution Approach 1:
The retention teeth are positioned away from the centreline area (the weakest point of the rib) and distributed along the rib at locations with higher structural strength. This local quality change ensures that connections are made at stronger sections of the rib, improving reliability without significantly complicating the manufacturing process, as the teeth can still be formed using standard fabrication techniques.
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
This design enhances the mechanical stability and reliability of the frame by distributing stress across stronger areas of the profiled bar, providing a more resistant and safer connection while maintaining simplicity and cost-effectiveness in production.
Implementation Method 1
Each tongue is provided with a central tooth, destined to engage the rib of the profiled bar for holding it once the attachment element has been inserted into the said aperture after elastic bending of the tongue
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a profiled bar (4) with a "T" section comprising a rib (24) and a plate (28). The profiled bar (4) has, on at least one end (12,16), an attachment element (20) suitable for engaging with a further profiled bar (4"). The rib comprises at least one coupling aperture (36) shaped to house said attachment element (20), which comprises a base (40) for fixing to the rib, projecting at least partially from the profiled bar (4) with one free end (44), and a tongue (48) flexibly elastic and coupled to the fixing base. The tongue (48) is obtained through shearing and bending of a portion of the fixing base (40), so as to form an angle of incidence with the fixing base (40) itself and is provided with a pair of recesses (51,52) which define an attachment head (50). The coupling aperture (28) defines a first pair of projections (31,32) suitable for engaging with the recesses (51,52) to hold the attachment head (50) to the rib.