Sliding Fitting Assembly for Variable Width Building Cladding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fitting assemblies for connecting elongated deck elements to a substructure have a limited adjustment range, making them suitable only for planks of a narrow width, and are complex and costly to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A fitting assembly comprising two individual fittings connected by a simple and inexpensive connecting rod, where one fitting is attached via a clamp connection to the rod's lateral surface, allowing for elastic deformation and increased adjustment range, and the parts are preferably plastic injection molded for cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fitting assembly combines two fittings into a single unit with fixed relative position, then handling at the installation site is easier, but the adjustment range for different plank widths becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting assembly is divided into two separate fittings that can slide relative to each other along the connecting rod, rather than being rigidly fixed together. This segmentation allows each fitting to be independently positioned to accommodate different plank widths while maintaining ease of handling as a unified assembly during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting rod enables dynamic adjustment of the distance between the two fittings along its length. The fittings can slide along the rod to change their relative position, providing adaptability for different plank widths while maintaining the simplified handling of a pre-assembled unit during the installation process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fitting assembly uses a complex connection mechanism between fittings, then the adjustment range increases, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complex connection mechanism is extracted and replaced by a simple connecting rod that serves only as a guide for sliding the fittings. The rod removes the need for complicated joint mechanisms while maintaining the adjustment capability, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The distance between fittings is adjusted by changing the position parameter along the connecting rod rather than through complex mechanical linkages. This parameter-based adjustment simplifies the connection mechanism while preserving the full adjustment range for different plank widths.
3Ease of manufacture
If a fitting assembly uses a simple connecting element between fittings, then manufacturing is simpler and less costly, but the adjustment range may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting rod serves multiple functions: it connects the two fittings, enables sliding adjustment for different widths, and provides a guide for proper positioning. This multi-functionality allows a simple, inexpensive component to achieve both manufacturing simplicity and adequate adjustment range.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting rod acts as an intermediary element between the two fittings, providing a simple yet effective mechanism for adjustment. Rather than directly connecting the fittings with complex joints, the rod mediates the relationship, enabling movement and positioning while keeping the overall structure simple and cost-effective to manufacture.
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
Enables the secure fastening of cover elements of various widths to a substructure with improved ease of handling and reduced material usage, allowing for expansion and contraction without visible parts, thus enhancing versatility and reducing assembly complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the clamping connection has a clamping tongue which is part of the fitting and bears against the outer surface of the connecting rod under elastic deformation of itself
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a fitting assembly (2) for connecting elongated cover elements (1) of a building surface cladding to an underlying substructure (3), wherein the fitting assembly (2) comprises two individual fittings (4, 5) which are slidably connected to one another, each fitting (4, 5) projecting under two adjacent cover elements (1) and being connected to each of them by a connecting element, and wherein only one of the two fittings is also connected to the substructure (3) by a connecting element. The two fittings (4, 5) of the fitting assembly (2) are connected to each other via a connecting rod (6). At least one fitting (4) is attached to the outer surface of the connecting rod (6) by a clamping connection.