Structural Profile Groove Layout for Flexible Frame Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing construction profiles for frame structures lack versatility in assembly and disassembly, are not easily adaptable to existing structures, and often require notching of plate material for fastening, which restricts tool access and structural integrity.

Innovation Solution

A construction profile with a rectangular outer contour featuring longitudinal and transverse grooves that allow for easy connection with support profiles, accommodating various fastening options and enabling flexible assembly without interfering with structural integrity, including the use of anchor sleeves and T-slot designs for enhanced stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If fasteners are inserted into grooves on the front side during assembly, then connection to supporting profile is achieved, but sheet material must be notched out because transverse groove is occupied by fasteners

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidcomplexity of sheet material preparation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a second longitudinal groove in addition to the transverse groove, creating a multi-dimensional groove system. This allows fasteners to be positioned in the second longitudinal groove while sheet material is inserted in the transverse groove, eliminating the need to notch the sheet material and providing tool access from the rear side.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If only one longitudinal groove and one transverse groove are present, then profile design is simple, but versatility for different mounting purposes is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of groove designVSAvoidversatility for mounting purposes
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal groove system with one transverse groove and two longitudinal grooves that can accommodate multiple mounting configurations. The grooves can be used in various combinations: fasteners in longitudinal grooves with sheet material in transverse groove, or vice versa, or fasteners in both longitudinal grooves, providing versatility for different application requirements.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3821140B1Structural profile
Publication Date: 2024.07.10 ISEL AUTOMATION GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3821140B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3821140B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3821140B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a structural profile having an outer contour (1), wherein the outer contour (1) has at least one longitudinal side (2) and a transverse side (3), and wherein the longitudinal side (2) and the transverse side (3) are arranged transversely to one another, wherein the longitudinal side (2) has a longitudinal-side groove (4) and the transverse side (3) has a transverse-side groove (5), wherein the grooves (4, 5) have a groove cross section (6) in which it is possible to inscribe a circle (7), wherein the longitudinal centre axes of the grooves (4, 5) are arranged in a common groove plane, and wherein the groove plane is arranged parallel to a longitudinal centre plane (8) of the structural profile.