Recessed Connector Assembly for Sealed Sandwich Panel Joints

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular systems for frameless housing construction, such as heat and soundproof sandwich panels, face difficulties in assembly and disassembly due to complex insulation pieces and cover profiles, leading to tedious and challenging connections.

Innovation Solution

The use of connectors that can be completely sunk into depressions on the components, with angled contact and pressure surfaces allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, ensuring a secure and sealing connection without protruding beyond the components, and optionally using screws for additional fastening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If connectors are used to connect components in modular housing systems, then the connection strength and stability are improved, but the assembly and disassembly processes become tedious and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidease of assembly and disassembly
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into multiple independent parts: a first connector part with a first pressing surface, a second connector part with a second pressing surface, and an insulation piece. These segmented components can be independently assembled and disassembled, simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining strong connections through the coordinated action of multiple parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insulation piece acts as an intermediary element between the first and second connector parts. It facilitates the connection by providing a mating interface with corresponding pressing surfaces, enabling easy assembly through simple insertion while ensuring stable and insulated connection between components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If complex insulation pieces and cover profiles are used in modular systems, then the thermal and acoustic insulation performance is improved, but the assembly process becomes more difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal and acoustic insulationVSAvoidassembly speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The insulation function is merged into the connector structure itself through the insulation piece integrated between the first and second connector parts. This eliminates the need for separate insulation components and cover profiles, reducing assembly steps while maintaining effective thermal and acoustic insulation between connected components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If connectors protrude beyond component surfaces, then the connection structure is simplified, but the exterior surface finish becomes uneven and visible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector structure simplicityVSAvoidexterior surface smoothness
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The connector components are designed to nest within recesses or depressions on the component surfaces. The first connector part and second connector part fit into corresponding recesses, allowing the connector structure to be concealed within the component boundaries while maintaining structural integrity and connection strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate components are used for connection, then the adaptability and versatility of the modular system is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodular system flexibilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: the first connector part and second connector part provide mechanical connection, the insulation piece provides thermal and acoustic insulation, and the integrated design allows for easy assembly and disassembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, maintaining versatility while managing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution simplifies the assembly and disassembly process while ensuring a secure, airtight, and thermally or acoustically insulated connection between components, maintaining a smooth exterior surface without visible fasteners.

Implementation Method 1

the connector has at least two pressure surfaces, wherein the connector for connecting the two components in a linear plug-on direction with the pressure surfaces on the contact surface of the first component and the contact surface of the second component can be plugged on, and at least one of the contact surfaces and/or at least one of the pressure surfaces is arranged at least in regions obliquely to the plug-on direction, the pressure surfaces of the connector plugged onto the components bearing against the contact surfaces of the components and pressing the end faces of the components together

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP2149737B1Assembly with at least a first component
Publication Date: 2013.04.10 WALTER BOESCH GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2149737B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2149737B1 patent drawingFigure 4~8
  • EP2149737B1 patent drawingFigure 9~12

AI summary

The system has a connector (3) for connecting a plate (1) e.g. sandwich plate, and a sectional strip in a connected position. The connector is attached on contact surfaces (5) of the respective plate and strip in a linearly running attachment direction (7) by pressure surfaces of the connector. The contact surfaces and/or pressure surfaces are sectionally arranged transverse to the attachment direction. The pressure surfaces lie at the contact surfaces and press front surfaces of the respective plate and strip against each other. The plate is limited at its front surface by an edge profile.