Profiled Part Welding Device with Movable Molded Part

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for connecting plastic profile parts, such as PVC profile bars to window frames, often result in uncontrollable melt deformation and the formation of visible weld beads, requiring post-processing removal, which can damage the profiles and is inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A device and method where the processing tool, with a movable molded part forming an angle of 10° to 50° with the profile support, moves obliquely or diagonally to control the melt flow and deformation, eliminating the need for post-processing by shaping and controlling the melted plastic during the connection process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a fixed limiting element is used to control melt flow during welding, then the melt flow is restricted, but visible weld beads form on the visible surfaces requiring post-processing removal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemelt flow controlVSAvoidvisible weld beads
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The limiting element is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to adapt its position during the welding process. The element can move in the longitudinal direction of the profile part to dynamically control melt flow, preventing excessive melt from reaching visible surfaces while maintaining effective restriction where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The movable limiting element acts as an intermediary between the heating element and the profile part, providing controlled restriction of melt flow. It mediates the interaction by being positioned between the heat source and the profile, allowing precise control over where melt is restricted and where it can flow naturally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If post-processing removal of weld beads is performed, then visible surfaces are cleaned, but the profiles are damaged and the process is inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface qualityVSAvoidprocessing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The movable limiting element prevents the formation of excessive weld beads in the first place by controlling melt flow during welding. By applying preliminary restriction at the source, it prevents the harmful effect (visible weld beads) from occurring, eliminating the need for subsequent removal operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The limiting element is positioned and configured before welding begins to pre-establish the desired melt flow paths. This preliminary arrangement ensures that melt is directed away from visible surfaces during the welding process itself, preventing the need for post-processing intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If the limiting element is adjusted to a tight fit, then melt flow is better controlled, but the gap for melt flow is reduced requiring higher processing force

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemelt flow controlVSAvoidprocessing force
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The limiting element can dynamically adjust its position and fit during the welding process. It can be positioned closer to the profile for tight control where needed, and moved away where melt flow is acceptable, optimizing the balance between control precision and force requirements in different zones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different sections of the limiting element can have different degrees of restriction. The element can provide tight fit in areas where precise melt flow control is critical, while allowing more generous gaps in areas where melt flow is less critical, creating locally optimized control throughout the welding zone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 approach prevents damage to the profiles, eliminates visible weld beads, and reduces the force required for processing, achieving a stronger and more aesthetically pleasing welded joint with improved temperature distribution and strength at corners.

Implementation Method 1

the connecting surfaces are then pressed against the heating element in a joining direction for the so-called alignment and preheating process, melting material at the joining surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Implementation Method 2

The connecting surfaces are then pressed against the heating element in a joining direction for the so-called alignment and preheating process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 3

During the actual melting process, the PVC begins to flow and deform, moving inwards into the profile chambers and outwards onto the visible surfaces of the PVC profile

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow:

Implementation Method 4

the PVC begins to flow and deform

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 5

a processing tool with which the flow and deformation of the molten material can be controlled

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow control:

Implementation Method 6

the molded part is moved from a rest position towards a working position relative to the profile support receptacle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical constraint: Physical Containment

Implementation Method 7

the still-hot, thermoplastic material of the two profile bar ends fuses together to create a stable weld

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Implementation Method 8

the still-hot, thermoplastic material of the two profile bar ends fuses together

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFusion:

Data Source

PatentEP3429820B1Device and method for connecting profiled parts
Publication Date: 2023.08.02 ROTOX HLDG GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3429820B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3429820B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3429820B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (1) for connecting profiled parts (12) to profile supports which are arranged perpendicularly to one another and which have profile support receiving areas (2) for receiving and clamping the profiled parts (12). At least one profiled part (12) and a heating surface of a heating element of the device (1) can be brought into contact with each other in order to melt the at least one profiled part (12) in the profiled part welding region prior to joining with the other profiled part. A machining tool (3) is provided which has at least one molding part (4), by means of which a flow and deformation of a melt product on a visible surface of a profiled part (12) can be controlled. The aim of the invention is to provide an improved device (1) for connecting profiled plastic parts, said device preventing the aforementioned disadvantages while simultaneously configuring the discharge of the melt in a controllable manner such that a post-machining process can be completely or at least partly omitted. According to the invention, this is achieved in that the molding part (4) and the profile support receiving areas (2) form an angle (5) between 10° and 50° relative to each other, and the molding part (4) can be moved from a rest position in the direction of a working position relative to the profile support receiving area (2).