Spring-Elastic Spacer for Profile Bar Connector Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for profiled bars are either limited to closed profiles, making them difficult to cut to length without deformation, or are cumbersome to use on open profiles, lacking stability and ease of handling.
Innovation Solution
A connection system with a connector having two plates connected by a fastening means and an intermediate piece, featuring projections for engagement with grooves and a spring-elastic spacer for stabilization, allowing secure clamping on both open and closed channel-shaped profile bars without requiring tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If closed profile rods are used with connectors, then the connector can be securely fastened, but the profile bars become difficult to cut to length without deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the connector into two separate functional components: the connector body (for fastening) and the spacer (for stabilization during cutting). This segmentation allows the spacer to be removed after installation, enabling easy cutting of closed profile bars without deformation while maintaining secure fastening during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer is inserted into the profile bar before the connector is fastened, providing preliminary stabilization of the profile bar during the fastening process and subsequent cutting operation. This preliminary action prevents deformation during cutting while allowing the connector to be securely attached.
2Ease of manufacture
If open profile bars are used for easy cutting, then the profile bars can be easily cut to length, but they lack stability for secure connector clamping
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer acts as an intermediary element that is inserted into the open profile bar to provide internal stabilization. This mediator component compensates for the inherent lack of stability in open profile bars, enabling secure connector clamping while maintaining the cutting advantages of open profiles.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a resilient spacer integrated into the connector is used, then the connector can adapt to profile variations, but the handling and assembly become difficult for users
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the resilient spacer from the connector body, making them independent components. This segmentation simplifies handling and assembly - users can easily insert the spacer into the profile bar first, then attach the connector, without dealing with complex integrated mechanisms. The spacer maintains adaptability through its resilient legs that flex to accommodate profile variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient spacer with flexible legs provides automatic adaptation to profile bar variations through its elastic deformation capability. The spacer self-adjusts to fit different profile dimensions and shapes without requiring user intervention or complex adjustment mechanisms, maintaining ease of operation while providing adaptability.
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
Facilitates easy and secure attachment to profile bars, improving handling and stability, enabling efficient cutting and assembly without deformation, and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The spacer is provided with a spring-elastic holder for positive or frictional connection with the insides of the profile bar
Implementation Method 2
The spacer is provided with a spring-elastic holder for positive or frictional connection with the insides of the profile bar
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The system has plates (6, 7) connected with each other by a fastening unit (9) and a connecting piece (8), where the unit and piece are fastened to channel-like sectional bars (1, 2), and projections (61, 71) formed at outer edges of the plates and brought in contact with slots (4). A spacer is separately formed by a link (3) for arrangement in the respective bar, where the link is fastened to an open side of the bars. The spacer is provided with a spring-elastic support i.e. spring-elastic arm, to form or friction fit connection with an inner side of the bars.