T-Connection Locking Projection for Displacement Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing T-connections between mullion and transom profiles in mullion-transom constructions lack effective protection against displacement, which can lead to the transom profile being levered out or gaps forming during transportation or assembly.

Innovation Solution

A T-connection design featuring a locking projection that engages with a recess in the transom profile, providing additional invisible security against longitudinal displacement, with a locking bevel ensuring a gap-free and secure connection between the mullion and transom profiles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a T-connection uses a locking profile with holding means for engagement in a cavity, then the connection between mullion and transom profile is achieved, but the connection is not secured against displacement in the longitudinal direction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidconnection structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking profile is divided into two functional parts: holding means for engagement in the cavity and a locking projection extending from the holding means. This segmentation allows the locking profile to provide both engagement and displacement prevention functions through separate structural elements, resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking projection acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the holding means and the transom profile. It engages with the transom profile to prevent displacement while the holding means provides engagement in the cavity, thus preventing displacement without requiring complete redesign of the connection structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the transom profile is not secured against displacement, then the connection structure remains simple, but the transom profile can be levered out or gaps can form during transportation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplacement preventionVSAvoidconnection assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The locking projection is pre-formed as part of the locking profile structure before assembly. This preliminary formation of the locking feature allows the displacement prevention function to be integrated into the assembly process without requiring additional manufacturing steps or complex assembly operations, thus preventing displacement while maintaining ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2186959B1T-connection between a profiled post and profiled transom

Publication Date: 2014.03.05 RAICO BAUTECHN

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AI summary

The T-connector has a connection element (13) fixed at an outer side (4) of a pillar profile (1) for engagement into a hollow space at a front side (15) of a bar profile (2), where the front side faces the bar profile. The connection element comprises a bolting attachment piece (17) for engagement into a recess (18) in one of bars (11, 12) within the bar profile. The bolting attachment piece comprises a bolting chamfer (20) for attachment at a counter surface (21) of one of the bars. The recess is arranged in one of the bars running transverse to the other bar.