Straight Hollow-Profile Connector with Curved Sidewalls for Tolerance Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for hollow profiles in insulating glazing spacers face challenges in accommodating height and width tolerances without altering the connector's basic geometry, leading to undesirable deformation and compromised connection stability.
Innovation Solution
A straight plug connector with a lower sidewall region featuring a soft curve and a sharp transition, combined with resilient retaining elements, allows for independent adjustment of height and width, maintaining geometric stability and preventing deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the connector uses a rectangular hammerhead profile with straight wall sections, then rigidity is increased, but the connector cannot accommodate height tolerances without deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The side wall is divided into three distinct regions (first with soft curve, second with sharp transition, third upright region) that perform different functions. The soft curve region accommodates tolerances through elastic deformation, while the sharp transition and upright region maintain geometric stability and rigidity, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and strength.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the side wall are given different geometric properties: the lower region has a soft curve for flexibility and tolerance absorption, while the upper region has sharp transitions for stability. This local differentiation allows the connector to simultaneously achieve both tolerance accommodation and rigidity in appropriate locations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the connector allows height adjustment through deformation, then tolerance accommodation is improved, but the basic geometry of the connector is altered leading to unstable connections
Solution Approach 1:
The side wall is segmented into functional regions where the soft curve region handles deformation for tolerance accommodation, while the sharp transition and upright regions maintain geometric stability. This segmentation prevents the entire connector from deforming and losing its basic geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector allows localized deformation in the soft curve region while maintaining overall geometric stability through the sharp transition and upright regions. This localized flexibility enables tolerance accommodation without compromising the stability of the connection points.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the connector uses a sharp curve transition to stabilize the side wall, then geometric stability is improved, but the spring action for tolerance accommodation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The side wall is divided into regions with different curvature characteristics. The first region has a soft curve that provides spring action, while the second region has a sharp transition that provides geometric stability. Both functions are preserved in different locations within the same structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different curvature properties are assigned to different regions: the soft curve region provides elastic spring action for tolerance accommodation, while the sharp transition region provides geometric stability. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between flexibility and stability.
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 connector provides enhanced tolerance accommodation, maintains precise connection points, and ensures stable engagement with hollow profiles, minimizing deformation and improving visual appearance and connection tightness.
Implementation Method 1
The soft curve of the lower sidewall area can have a circular arc or an elliptical shape... This is beneficial for the aforementioned spring action and the ability to accommodate height tolerances of the connector and the hollow profile.
Implementation Method 2
The sharp curvature of the transition and, if necessary, the edge stabilizes the geometry of the second and third sidewall areas.
Implementation Method 3
The profiled side walls are each divided vertically into several side wall sections and, at their free edge area, have retaining elements in the form of toothed strips protruding in the side wall plane.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a straight connector for hollow profiles (2), in particular warm-edge hollow profiles, of spacers for insulating glass, wherein the connector (1) has a substantially U-shaped cross-section with open end faces (8) and a base (9) facing towards the interior of the pane in the installation position, as well as side walls (10) with profiled cross-sections and a center point (5), wherein the side walls (10) are each divided in height into several side wall sections (11, 12, 13) and have retaining elements (19-22) at their free edge section (14). The side walls (10) have a lower side wall section (11) adjoining the base (9) with a rounded and bulging shape, and a side wall section (12) adjoining it which is recessed towards the inside of the connector.wherein a curved transition (17) is arranged between the lower side wall region (11) and the inset side wall region (12), and an upright side wall region (13) adjoins the inset side wall region (12) with an edge (18), which has the free edge region (14) and the retaining elements (19-22). The lower side wall region (11) has a soft curve (15) adjoining the base (9), and the transition (17) has a sharp curve, wherein the radius of curvature (R1) of the soft curve (15) is several times larger than the radius of curvature (R2) of the transition (17).