Sawtooth Profile Corner Connector for Window Frames

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing corner connectors for door and window frames often fail to securely lock in any clamping position due to imprecise dimensions and lack of secure locking mechanisms in the lateral expansion tracks.

Innovation Solution

The corner connector features side surfaces with a sawtooth profile and finely distributed locking teeth on the expansion tracks, allowing for secure locking in almost any position by engaging with the sawtooth profile, and additional ratchet teeth for precise height adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a sawtooth profile is used on the expansion surfaces to push outwards the expansion tracks, then the expansion tracks can be spread effectively, but the locking positions are limited to relatively rough steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexpansion track spreadingVSAvoidlocking position precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the locking mechanism into two separate components: the sawtooth profile on the expansion surfaces for spreading, and additional locking teeth on the expansion tracks for precise positioning. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function - the sawtooth provides the spreading force while the locking teeth provide fine-positioning, resolving the contradiction between effective spreading and precise locking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If the expansion tracks are lifted to spread the corner connector in the hollow profile, then the bracing is secured, but the expansion tracks may not be securely locked in the lifted position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebracing securityVSAvoidlocking reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking teeth on the expansion tracks are designed to engage with the sawtooth profile in advance, before the expansion process is complete. This preliminary engagement ensures that when the expansion tracks are lifted to their working position, they are already securely locked and cannot fall back, even if the lifting force is removed or reduced.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If corner connectors are braced only on one side upwards, then the structure is simpler, but the corner connector is not properly seated in the profile when dimensions are imprecise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebracing structureVSAvoidseating accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the geometric parameters of the expansion surfaces by introducing the sawtooth profile, which provides multiple discrete locking positions. This allows the expansion tracks to be locked at various heights, compensating for dimensional variations in the hollow profile and ensuring proper seating without requiring high manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2136027B1Edge joints for door and window frames

Publication Date: 2014.12.03 GROTEFELD HANS DIETER

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AI summary

Corner connector comprises a rectangular shaft (10) having side surfaces forming spreading surfaces with a saw tooth profile directed in the longitudinal direction of the shaft. Spreading strips (16, 18) have finely divided locking teeth for locking with the saw tooth profile. Preferred Features: The locking teeth are arranged in several laterally displaced rows lying below each other. The corner connector is made from a plastic injection molded part.