Rotatable Fixing Element Connection for Stepless Profile Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing profile systems for curtain devices face issues with precise and secure connection of profile elements, leading to gaps and irregularities in the guide system, which impede the smooth sliding or rolling of curtain holders.
Innovation Solution
A connecting device with rotatable fixing elements that engage with holding grooves on profile elements, ensuring seamless alignment and secure connection by exerting a thrust force when rotated into a fixing position, eliminating gaps and steps between connected elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate connecting pieces are used to join profile elements, then the profile elements can be assembled, but the alignment is imprecise causing gaps and steps in the guide device
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device is segmented into a body portion and a fixing element that can rotate independently. This segmentation allows the connecting device to first be inserted into holding grooves of multiple profile elements (assembly phase), and then the fixing element rotates to lock them together (precision phase), resolving the contradiction between easy assembly and precise alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing element transitions from a static insertion state to a dynamic locked state through rotation. During insertion, the fixing element is in a first position allowing free movement into the holding grooves. After insertion, it rotates to a second position where it engages with the profile elements, transforming the connection from loose to precisely locked, thereby achieving both ease of assembly and manufacturing precision.
2Strength
If fixation mechanisms are applied to secure profile elements, then the connection is strengthened, but the profile elements may move apart creating gaps or steps
Solution Approach 1:
The profile elements are preliminarily positioned by inserting the connecting device body into their holding grooves before the fixing element is activated. This preliminary positioning establishes the correct alignment and spacing between profile elements. Subsequently, when the fixing element rotates to lock them, the elements are already in their correct positions, preventing any movement that would create gaps or steps while maintaining strong connection.
3Ease of operation
If additional holders are used to attach profile elements to wall surface, then the profile elements can be mounted, but the alignment between successive elements remains imprecise
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of mounting and alignment into a single integrated connecting device. The body portion handles the mounting function by attaching to the wall surface and holding grooves, while the fixing element simultaneously performs alignment by rotating into a locked position that precisely positions the profile elements relative to each other. This eliminates the need for separate alignment operations and additional holders, achieving both ease of operation and precision.
Data Source
Figure 1a~2
Figure 3a~3f
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AI summary
The invention relates to a profiled section system with at least two profiled elements (100, 100'), comprising a guide device (102) and at least one connecting device for connecting two profiled elements. The profiled elements (100, 100') have retaining grooves (101a, 101b) which run in the longitudinal direction and which receive the connecting device in a longitudinally movable manner and are open at the end face in order to insert the connecting device. The connecting device has a longitudinal piece (1) and a respective rotatable fixing element (2, 2') at opposite ends of the longitudinal piece for fixing to a profiled element (100,100'). The fixing elements (2, 2') are mounted on the longitudinal piece (1) in a rotatable manner relative thereto, wherein the fixing element comprises an engagement piece which is rotated out of engagement with the profiled element in an insertion position (18, 18') and into engagement with the profiled element in a fixing position (8, 8'). The fixing elements (2, 2') are provided at opposite ends of the longitudinal piece (1) such that the fixing elements are to be rotated in opposite directions from an insertion position (18, 18') into a fixing position (8, 8').