Spring-Loaded Reinforcement Element for Rigid Butt Joints

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for connecting hollow plastic profiles, such as in window and door construction, are complex and time-consuming, leading to high assembly costs and insufficient load-bearing capacity at intersections, particularly in right-angled connections.

Innovation Solution

A reinforcing element with a core element made of extruded aluminum, featuring a spring-loaded bolt mechanism, is used to connect hollow plastic profiles with steel reinforcements, allowing for easy assembly and stable, load-bearing connections in all directions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional multi-part connectors are used to join hollow plastic profiles, then reliable force absorption can be ensured, but assembly complexity and time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce absorption capabilityVSAvoidconnector structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention integrates the connector functionality directly into a single profile piece that combines the reinforcing element and connector functions. The U-shaped profile with flanges and fastening elements creates a unified structure that replaces traditional multi-part connectors, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining force absorption capability through the integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The reinforcing element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it reinforces the hollow plastic profile structurally, acts as a connector for joining profiles at right angles, and provides mounting surfaces for fastening elements. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate connector components, addressing both reliability and complexity requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If traditional multi-part connectors are used to join hollow plastic profiles, then reliable force absorption can be ensured, but assembly time and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce absorption capabilityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcing element is pre-formed with integrated flanges and fastening elements during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation of connection features eliminates the need for on-site assembly of multiple connector parts, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining the reliability of force absorption through the pre-engineered integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If connectors are mounted outside hollow chambers on profile surfaces, then assembly is simplified, but load-bearing capacity at intersections is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidload-bearing capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The U-shaped reinforcing element is inserted into the hollow chamber of the plastic profile, nesting the metal reinforcement inside the plastic structure. This internal positioning maintains the load-bearing capacity by creating a composite structure that leverages both materials, while the integrated flanges extending from the U-shaped profile provide external mounting surfaces for fastening elements, combining the benefits of internal strength and external ease of assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 provides a robust, positionally secure reinforcement that ensures reliable force absorption and meets static requirements, while maintaining a clean appearance and facilitating easy installation.

Implementation Method 1

a spring element (40), acting as a force-generating element, is received in a pre-tensioned and mechanically secured state in a recess (11) of the base body, which directly or indirectly exerts a force on the bolt (20)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP4095343B1Reinforcement element, butt joint and method for the production of same
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 VEKA AG
  • EP4095343B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1d
  • EP4095343B1 patent drawingFigure 1e~1h
  • EP4095343B1 patent drawingFigure 2a

AI summary

The invention relates to a reinforcing element (100) for the static reinforcement of a connection between a post profile (60) and at least one transom profile (50', 50"), comprising a longitudinally extended core element (10) which can be inserted, at least partially, into the hollow steel reinforcing profile (70') of the transom profile (50', 50") in the longitudinal direction of the transom profile (50', 50"), wherein a bolt (20) is received in the core element (10) which is displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the core element (10) and the bolt (20) can be moved into a position projecting from the core element (10) by means of a force-generating element (40) arranged in the core element (10) and the bolt (20) can be inserted, at least partially, into the core element (10) against the action of the force-generating element (40). Core element (10) has a first and a second end region (10a, 10b),which are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction and between which a recess (11) is arranged, wherein the first end region (10a) has a first guide channel (12") in which the bolt (20) is located and the second end region (10b) has a second guide channel (12') in which a guide pin (30) is located, which carries a spring element (40) as a force-generating element (40), wherein the bolt (20) is acted upon at its end located in the core element (10) by the force of the spring element (40). The invention also relates to a butt joint between a post profile (60) and at least one rail profile (50', 50"), a method for producing a butt joint and for producing a reinforcing element (100).