Spring-Loaded T-Joint Assembly for Facade Profile Fixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing T-connections for facades and windows are complex to manufacture and assemble, requiring multiple components and assembly steps.
Innovation Solution
A T-connection design featuring a first profile with a receptacle for a connecting element that is pre-tensioned by a spring, allowing the connecting element to be slidably guided and fixed to a second profile using a screw, with optional additional fastening elements to secure the connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional T-connection methods are used with multiple components and assembly steps, then the connection stability is improved, but the assembly complexity and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (connecting element, spring element, fastening means) into a single integrated connecting element assembly that is pre-assembled as one unit. This merging reduces the number of separate parts to be handled during assembly while maintaining the stabilizing function through the integrated spring mechanism and fastening components.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element, spring element, and fastening means are pre-assembled and pre-tensioned together in a preliminary assembly step before being installed into the profiles. This preliminary action ensures proper positioning and pre-tensioning is achieved before final installation, reducing on-site assembly complexity while ensuring connection stability.
2Strength
If traditional T-connection methods with multiple components are used, then the connection strength is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple manufacturing operations are merged into integrated components. The connecting element incorporates the spring element and fastening means as integrated features rather than separate manufactured parts, reducing the total number of manufacturing processes while maintaining connection strength through the combined design.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides mechanical connection, spring-loaded tensioning, and fastening functions. This universality reduces the need for multiple specialized components, simplifying manufacturing while ensuring adequate connection strength through combined functional design.
3Productivity
If connecting elements are pre-tensioned and slidably guided in a receptacle, then the assembly speed is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is nested within the connecting element assembly, and the entire assembly is nested within the receptacle of the profile. This nesting arrangement allows the pre-tensioned connecting element to be compactly stored in the receptacle during transport, then quickly deployed by sliding along the receptacle guide, increasing assembly speed while containing the complexity within a compact integrated structure.
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
Simplifies assembly by reducing the number of components needed and streamlining the connection process, enabling quick and secure fixation of profiles at the construction site.
Implementation Method 1
Before being fixed to the second profile, the at least one connecting element is slidably guided on the receptacle of the first profile and pre-tensioned by a spring element, in particular in a direction towards the second profile
Data Source
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AI summary
A T-connection (1) for a facade or a window comprises a first profile (2) which bears against a second profile (3) at one end face, and at least one connecting element (4) which is arranged in a receptacle (21) of the first profile (2) and extends through a wall (34) of the second profile (3) and is fixed to the second profile (3) via a fastening means (8). Before being fixed to the second profile (3), the at least one connecting element (4) is guided displaceably in the receptacle (21) on the first profile (2) and is prestressed via a spring element (5). Furthermore, a method for assembling a T-connection (1) is provided, by means of which a first profile (2) can be effectively fixed to a second profile (3).