Profiled-Section Connector with Nested Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for profiled-section elements have limitations in accessibility due to the aperture strap and screw head being outside the contour of the profiled-section elements, restricting the integration of additional structural elements.
Innovation Solution
A connector with an elongate body and screws that are inserted from the longitudinal ends, featuring a connector plate with upstanding edge portions and tongues, allowing the screws to be advanced through threaded bores to clamp the connector between the bottom and flanges of the profiled-section elements, eliminating the need for external counter elements and reducing part count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the aperture strap and screw head are located outside the contour of the profiled-section elements, then the connector can be securely fastened, but the accessibility for mounting other structural elements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body is inserted into the longitudinal slot formed by the flanges of the profiled-section elements, nesting the connector within the existing structure. The upstanding edge portions are positioned between the flanges, and the connector plate rests on the outer side of the flanges, creating a nested configuration that maintains secure fastening while improving accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The connector transitions from a two-dimensional external attachment (strap outside the contour) to a three-dimensional integrated structure (connector body inserted into the longitudinal slot). This dimensional change allows the connector to be secured within the profiled-section elements while maintaining accessibility to the outer surfaces
2Stability of the object's composition
If two separate elements (groove strip and aperture strap) are used to secure the connector, then the connection is stable, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The groove strip and aperture strap are merged into a single integrated connector body. The connector body includes both the groove strip portion that engages with the inner side of the flanges and the connector plate portion that rests on the outer side, eliminating the need for separate elements while maintaining connection stability
Solution Approach 2:
The single connector body performs multiple functions: it provides the groove strip for engagement with the flanges, the connector plate for resting on the outer surface, and the upstanding edge portions for positioning between the flanges. This multi-functionality reduces part count while maintaining stable connection
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
The connector securely attaches to the profiled-section elements without external parts, providing a stable and accessible mounting solution within the profiled-section element's contours, enhancing integration capabilities and reducing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the bores are threaded bores and the shanks are provided with a male thread
Implementation Method 2
the screw shank can be advanced through the bore whereby the spacing between the connector plate and the screw head is reduced... the top edges of the upstanding edge portions can be brought in clamping engagement with the inner side of the flanges
Data Source
AI summary
A connector, for connecting two profiled-section elements of the channel type having a bottom and an upper side formed by flanges defining between them a longitudinal slot, includes an elongate connector body designed to be inserted partially into each of the profiled-section elements to be connected from the respective longitudinal ends thereof, where the connector body is at least provided with two bores. The connector includes at least two screws, the screws having a shank having a tip on one end and a head on another end, where the shanks of the respective screws extend through the respective bores. The connector body includes a connector plate with upstanding edge portions on either lateral side thereof, the upstanding edge portions having a top edge remote from the connector plate 3, the top edges, in use, facing the flanges of the profiled-section element.