T-Groove Fitting Clamp with Pre-Positioning and Thermal Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices for fittings in T grooves, particularly in carpentry profiles, face challenges in ensuring temporary positioning and secure anchoring without screwing, as they often rely on compressible O-Rings or elastic blades, which provide limited clamping effect and are not cost-effective, and require additional parts for maintenance, leading to complex installations and potential thermal bridging issues.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with pre-assembly and prepositioning means by clipping the Clameau into the T groove, featuring retractable rotation restraint and inter-lap insulation with deformable skirts, allowing temporary immobilization and easy assembly, independent of tightening screws, while addressing thermal bridging through a single piece design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If clamp-type fastening devices are used to fix fittings in T grooves, then the fitting can be securely anchored without screwing, but the clamp requires additional parts (O-Rings, elastic blades) that increase device complexity and installation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the clamp body, the retention means, and the insulating means into a single integrated component. The retention means (protrusions) are formed as part of the clamp body, and the insulating means (skirts) are integrated into the same piece, eliminating the need for separate O-Rings, elastic blades, or other additional parts. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining the secure anchoring function.
2Ease of operation
If O-Rings or elastic blades are used to hold the clamp in position, then the clamp can be retained in its inactive position, but the clamping effect is limited to the compressibility of these elements
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp body itself provides the retention function through integrated protrusions that engage with the T groove walls. The clamp serves dual functions: both clamping (through its positioning under the hooking edges) and retention (through the protrusions). This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate O-Rings or elastic blades, thereby maximizing the clamping effect without being limited by the compressibility of additional elements.
3Strength
If metal clamps are used to ensure mechanical strength, then the fitting can be securely fixed, but thermal bridging occurs between the clamp and the joinery profile
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is made of a thermoplastic material that combines mechanical strength with thermal insulation properties. This composite material approach allows the clamp to provide secure fixing while simultaneously acting as a thermal break, preventing thermal bridging between the metal T groove and the fitting. The material properties are selected to balance both mechanical and thermal requirements.
4Reliability
If the clamp is designed to rotate under the hooking edges for tightening, then secure anchoring is achieved, but the clamp must be precisely oriented during assembly, increasing installation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The retention protrusions are designed to automatically guide and pre-orient the clamp in the correct angular position during insertion into the T groove. This preliminary action ensures that the clamp is properly oriented before the tightening rotation begins, eliminating the need for precise manual orientation by the installer. The protrusions engage with the groove walls to set the correct angle automatically.
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
Facilitates easy and secure pre-assembly and prepositioning of fittings along T grooves, ensuring effective engagement and tightening without additional parts, while minimizing thermal bridging and reducing operational complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
inter-lap insulation with deformable skirts
Implementation Method 2
retaining lugs, capable of elastically retracting under the impulse of a hooking edge
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 6~9
Figure 10~11
AI summary
The invention relates to a device 1 for fixing a fitting 2 in a T-groove 3 of a fixed or opening frame type joinery, T-groove 3 delimited by at least one bottom 5 and two side walls 6, 7 provided, each, with at least one hooking edge 8, 9 distant from the bottom 5.According to the invention, this fixing device comprises: - pre-assembly and pre-positioning means 11 in said T-groove 3 perpendicular to the axis of the latter, to ensure that the fitting 2 is held in this groove 3 at least along this insertion direction 12; - and clamping means in the form of a clamp 16, to cooperate with said hooking edges 8, 9, this clamp 16 being capable of occupying at least one first inactive position 17 allowing its engagement between these hooking edges 8, 9 and at least one second active position 18 in which it extends under the latter; - and retractable rotational retention means 19 of the clamp 16 in said first inactive position 17.