Profiled Bar Connection Stress Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing profiled bars for false ceiling frames suffer from inadequate 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 instability and potential failure.

Innovation Solution

The profiled bar features a coupling aperture with multiple projections and guides that distribute mechanical stress across two separate points, eliminating the reliance on a single tooth and ensuring engagement at stronger, more rigid areas, while the attachment element includes a flexible tongue with recesses and projections to securely connect with the rib, enhancing stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single retention tooth is used to connect profiled bars, then the connection mechanism is simple, but the mechanical stress distribution is inadequate and the connection reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection mechanismVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single retention tooth into multiple retention teeth (at least two) that engage with the rib at different locations. This segmentation distributes the mechanical stress across multiple engagement points rather than concentrating it at a single point, thereby improving connection reliability while maintaining relative simplicity of the connection mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the retention tooth presses on the centreline area of the rib, then the attachment is centralized, but the connection strength deteriorates because the centreline area is the weakest point

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment positioningVSAvoidconnection strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the retention teeth to engage with the rib at locations away from the centreline area, specifically at stronger regions of the rib structure. This local quality adjustment ensures that the attachment elements engage at points with higher structural strength, improving connection strength while the multiple engagement points provide adequate positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If multiple projections and guides are added to distribute stress, then the connection reliability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the multiple retention teeth and their associated guides and projections directly into the attachment elements and profiled bars themselves, rather than adding separate components. This merging approach distributes stress across multiple engagement points to improve reliability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity by combining functions into existing structural elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 provides a more resistant and stable mechanical connection, improving the reliability and stability of the frame by distributing stress evenly and avoiding the weakest points, while also being economical to produce through simple cutting and bending operations.

Implementation Method 1

The attachment element comprises a fixing base 40 to the rib 24 which projects at least partially from the profiled bar 4 with a free end 44, and a tongue 48 flexibly elastic and coupled to the fixing base 40.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2374955B1Profiled bar for frames and corresponding frame
Publication Date: 2014.01.15 DALLAN S R L CASTELFRANCO VENETO
  • EP2374955B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2374955B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2374955B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

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 bent towards the fixing base at the free end (44), so as to form an angle of incidence with the fixing base 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.