Rotating Profile Connector for Tool-Free Clamping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting elements for profile elements lack sufficient clamping force and require additional tools for assembly, limiting their effectiveness and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A connecting element with offset connecting sections featuring clamping surfaces and projections that generate a clamping force through rotation, allowing a press fit and tool-free assembly by rotating the element to align profile elements diagonally or transversely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a connecting element is rotated to generate clamping force, then the clamping effect is improved, but additional tools are required for assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is designed to generate clamping force through its own rotation without requiring external tools. The connecting element itself serves as the tool by having engagement surfaces that can be directly manipulated to rotate and clamp the profile elements together.
2Ease of operation
If the connecting element is designed for tool-free assembly, then ease of operation is improved, but clamping force may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element utilizes angular/rotational movement to transform a simple insertion action into a force-generating clamping mechanism. By rotating the connecting element after insertion, the clamping force is generated through dimensional transformation from linear insertion to angular rotation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the connecting element connects profile elements at angles, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to adapt to different connection angles. The element can be inserted in various orientations and then rotated to achieve the desired angular relationship between profile elements, providing versatility without requiring multiple specialized components.
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 solution provides a robust, tool-free connection with enhanced clamping force, ensuring secure assembly and alignment of profile elements without additional tools, suitable for various materials like aluminum, zinc, and fiber-reinforced plastics.
Implementation Method 1
The connecting element (10) can be rotated about an axis of rotation (D) in order to clamp the at least two profile elements (100, 200) against one another
Implementation Method 2
The second connecting section (14) is designed such that it can be received in a receptacle (102) of one of the two profile elements (100) via a press fit
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a connecting element (10) for connecting at least two profile elements (100, 200), wherein the connecting element (10) is rotatable about an axis of rotation (D) to generate a clamping force, wherein the connecting element (10) has at least one first connecting section (12) and at least one second connecting section (14), each designed for receiving in one of the profile elements (100, 200), wherein the first connecting section (12) has at least one first clamping surface (20, 22), wherein the at least one first clamping surface (20, 22) is designed with a predetermined clamping contour (KK1), wherein the second connecting section (14) has at least one second clamping surface (24, 74), wherein the first clamping surface (20, 22) faces the second connecting section (14) and the second clamping surface (24, 74) faces the first connecting section (12).wherein the first connecting section (12) and the second connecting section (14) are designed such that the profile elements (100, 200) connected via the connecting element (10) run obliquely to each other or crosswise.