Security Frame Corner Connector With Sealant-Ready Mitered Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security frames face challenges in forming a waterproof seal at their corners due to structural issues, which can lead to water infiltration, and installation is time-consuming and labor-intensive, requiring specialized care to ensure a tamper-proof seal.
Innovation Solution
A corner connector with a first and second leg, each having engagement ports, set screws, and beveled protrusions, allowing prefabrication of security frames in a factory, ensuring right angles and secure engagement, and facilitating a waterproof seal through conventional sealing techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional field installation methods are used with butt-joined corners, then security frames can be installed on buildings, but waterproof sealing at corners becomes difficult and water infiltration occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary sealing mechanism (sealant injection system with delivery catheter) that mediates between the corner connection structure and the waterproofing requirement. The sealant is injected through the catheter into the corner joint cavity, creating a waterproof seal that bridges the gap between structural components without requiring complex sealing operations during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The corner connection is segmented into distinct functional zones: the structural connection portion (corner connection structure), the sealing cavity (formed by the L-shaped profile), and the sealant injection pathway (through the delivery catheter). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the structure provides mechanical strength while the cavity provides sealing space.
2Reliability
If careful arrangement and sealing of corners is performed to ensure tamper-proof seal, then waterproof engagement is achieved, but installation time and labor cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The corner connections are pre-assembled in a factory setting with precise alignment and positioning before shipment to the installation site. The L-shaped profile and corresponding cavity are pre-formed to receive the sealant, eliminating the need for complex field adjustments. The set screws are pre-positioned to maintain right angles during transport and installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The corner connection structure is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing. The set screws automatically maintain the right angle configuration when tightened, and the sealant injected through the catheter self-distributes to fill the sealing cavity, creating the waterproof seal without requiring manual manipulation or adjustment by installers.
3Productivity
If security frames are assembled in factory as prefabricated structures, then installation time is reduced, but maintaining right angles and secure engagement during transport becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The corner connections are pre-assembled in a factory setting with precise alignment and positioning before shipment to the installation site. The L-shaped profile and corresponding cavity are pre-formed to receive the sealant, eliminating the need for complex field adjustments. The set screws are pre-positioned to maintain right angles during transport and installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The corner connection allows for controlled movement during assembly - the components can be inserted and adjusted to achieve proper alignment, then locked into a fixed right-angle configuration when the set screws are tightened. This dynamic assembly process accommodates minor variations in manufacturing tolerances while ensuring final geometric precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A corner connector having a first connector leg; and a second connector leg associated with the first connector leg, such that a connector angle is formed between the first connector leg and the second connector leg, each connector leg having: a leg body; at least one engagement port nested within the leg body; at least one set screw configured to be nested within the at least one engagement port of the corresponding connector leg; and a pair of connector grooves nested within the leg body of the corresponding connector leg, wherein each connector groove of the pair of connector grooves is configured to engage with a corresponding complementary structure of a corresponding member of a security frame. The corner connector is configured to facilitate a secure, waterproof seal between security frame members that form mitered corners, such that fluid does not infiltrate into the corresponding security frame after installation.