Resilient Clamping Part for Synthetic Façade Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing clamping techniques for façade cladding elements, particularly those made of synthetic materials, fail to securely attach end parts under changing temperature conditions, leading to potential detachment and instability.

Innovation Solution

A clamping part with bent lips and teeth, formed from spring steel, is used to create hook members that securely engage with the synthetic elements, preventing detachment by pushing into the hollow chambers and providing resilience to maintain clamping even under temperature changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional clamping techniques (mortise-and-tenon joint, dowels) are used to attach end parts to synthetic elements, then the connection is simple to realise, but the clamping action deteriorates under changing temperature conditions causing jar or detachment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping action stabilityVSAvoidease of arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping part utilizes elastic deformation of its body to create a dynamic clamping mechanism. The body is designed to elastically deform during insertion and maintain continuous contact pressure on the end part, adapting to dimensional changes caused by temperature variations. This elastic parameter change ensures reliable clamping without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping part transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic elastic system. The body can elastically deform to accommodate thermal expansion/contraction of the synthetic element while maintaining clamping force. This dynamic behavior allows the connection to adapt to changing conditions without losing stability or requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a secure clamping connection is achieved using resilient material with hook members, then the reliability under temperature changes is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping action stabilityVSAvoidclamping part structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping part merges multiple functions into a single integrated body: the resilient body itself provides both the clamping force through elastic deformation and forms the hook members that engage with the end part. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate clamping mechanisms while achieving reliable temperature-compensated attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping part is designed to be self-adjusting through elastic deformation. The resilient body automatically adjusts its clamping force in response to dimensional changes in the synthetic element due to temperature variations, without requiring external adjustment mechanisms or complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Force

If the lips extend perpendicularly from the edge of the opening, then the clamping force is maximized, but the ease of insertion of the projecting part is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping forceVSAvoidease of insertion
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lips are designed with a curved or angled configuration rather than perpendicular extension. This curvature allows the projecting part to be guided smoothly into the opening during insertion, reducing resistance and ease of assembly, while the lips still extend sufficiently to provide effective clamping force on the end part.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 clamping part effectively secures synthetic elements and end parts together, preventing jar or detachment due to temperature changes, while being easy to arrange and maintain, offering improved climate resistance and aesthetic appeal similar to wooden façade cladding.

Implementation Method 1

The clamping part (1) comprises a body (2) made of resilient material and having an opening (2.1) which is provided with at least two lips (3) which extend from the body (2) into the opening (2.1). The lips (3) are pushed apart by elastic deformation of the body (2) so as to form hook members (5, 6).

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The outwardly oriented hook members are each provided with teeth (6) which are sharp in the direction of insertion of the projecting part (16) into the hollow chamber (11). The sharp teeth (6) can be pushed into the synthetic material using pressure.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2497873B1Assembly and clamping part
Publication Date: 2018.02.21 HEERING KUNSTSTOF PROFIELEN
  • EP2497873B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2497873B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to an assembly, particularly a façade cladding element assembly comprising: - a synthetic element, particularly a façade element, with an end and at least one hollow chamber that is continuous in the longitudinal direction; - a clamping part of a substantially strip-shaped resilient material, comprising at least one opening with on the edge lips that are situated opposite each other and extend from the strip and in a neutral position extend towards the opening, and which lips are provided with first hook members that extend outward from the lips, and second hook members that extend inward in the opening, and - an end part provided with at least one projecting part for attachment to the end of the synthetic element to provide its finish, wherein the clamping part with the lips extending in the hole is arranged on the end of the synthetic element, and the end part is subsequently arranged on the clamping part wherein the projecting part extends in the hole and through the opening, having mutual dimensions adapted such that the projecting part pushes the lips apart with the outward hook members clamping in the walls of the continuous hollow chamber and with the inward hook members clamping in the projecting part.