Spring-Loaded Corner Piece for Metal Profile Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for connecting metal profiles at a right angle, such as mitring and using corner pieces with deformation or screwing, are time-consuming, expensive, and require heavy equipment, leading to instability and difficulty in achieving parallel surfaces, limiting flexibility in application location.
Innovation Solution
A corner piece with spring arms that exert an elastic force to securely hold the profiles together, allowing for quick and stable connection without complex tools, ensuring the profiles remain parallel and stable until adhesive is applied.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional deformation or screwing methods are used to connect profiles with corner pieces, then a stable connection is achieved, but the operation becomes time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical connection systems (deformation presses or screwing mechanisms) with a simple spring-based elastic retention system. The corner piece includes spring elements that automatically engage with the profiles upon insertion, providing stable connection without requiring time-consuming deformation or screwing operations. This substitution dramatically reduces connection time while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If a press is used to deform profiles for connection, then immediate connection is achieved, but expensive and heavy equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable or reusable corner piece with integrated spring elements that eliminates the need for expensive pressing equipment. The spring mechanism provides immediate connection upon simple insertion of the corner piece into the profiles. The corner piece itself becomes the connection device, requiring no external press or complex equipment, thereby dramatically reducing device complexity and cost.
3Ease of operation
If clearance is provided for corner piece insertion, then the corner piece fits in the profiles, but freedom of movement occurs causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static clearance problem into a dynamic solution using spring elements. The springs are designed to be compressed during insertion (allowing ease of operation) and then expand to exert retaining forces that eliminate freedom of movement. This dynamic mechanism provides both easy insertion and stable retention, resolving the contradiction between insertion ease and connection stability.
4Ease of operation
If profiles are connected with clearance, then corner piece can be inserted, but visible surfaces may not be in the same plane
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses spring compression as a parameter change mechanism to achieve precise surface alignment. During insertion, the springs are compressed (allowing ease of operation), and upon full insertion, the spring force pushes the profiles together with precise force, ensuring visible surfaces are in the same plane. The spring mechanism automatically compensates for dimensional variations, maintaining manufacturing precision without compromising installation ease.
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 simplifies the connection process, reduces the risk of surface misalignment, eliminates the need for heavy equipment, and allows for flexible application, resulting in a stable and secure connection before permanent adhesion.
Implementation Method 1
the first limb is provided with a spring with one or more spring arms with an end that protrudes outside the first limb and which is or are arranged to exert a first elastic force
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
Corner piece (1) for connecting metal profiles (16) together at a right angle, whereby the corner piece comprises a first limb (2) that extends parallel to a first geometric axis (4), and comprises a second limb (3) that extends parallel to a second geometric axis (5), whereby the first and second geometric axes (4, 5) are perpendicular to one another, whereby the first limb (2) has a first outer surface (6) and a second outer surface (7) that both run parallel to the first geometric axis (5), and which are at an angle to one another, whereby the first limb (2) is provided with a spring (11) with one or more spring arms (12) with an end (15) that protrudes outside the first limb (2) and which is or are arranged to exert an elastic force (F) that has a component (F1) that is perpendicular to the first outer surface (6) and a component (F2) that is perpendicular to the second outer surface (7).