Tapered Connector Butt Joint for Wooden Window Frames

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing butt joint arrangements for window and door frames, particularly in wooden constructions, face challenges such as increased manufacturing effort and damage to pre-painted lacquer layers due to high friction and force application during assembly, leading to suboptimal wood protection and longevity.

Innovation Solution

A butt joint arrangement featuring a connector element that tapers in the insertion direction, minimizing the required application of force and friction, allowing for a form-fitting or force-fitting connection without undercuts, which simplifies assembly and maintains the integrity of the paint layer, and can be integrated or provided as a separate part with a center tapering design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If pre-painted parts are used for assembly, then manufacturing effort is reduced and paint seal is complete, but the existing lacquer layer in the joining area is damaged due to friction and force application

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing effortVSAvoiddamage to lacquer layer
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connector element changes its geometric parameters along its length by incorporating a tapered section with gradually decreasing cross-sectional area. This parameter change reduces the insertion force and friction during assembly, preventing damage to the pre-applied lacquer layer while maintaining a complete paint seal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of applying force to push a uniform connector through the joining area (which damages the lacquer), the design inverts the approach by using a tapered connector that naturally guides itself into position with minimal force. The larger end enters first and gradually transitions to the smaller end, reversing the typical force application methodology.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Strength

If pins are pressed into recesses to create a secure connection, then a strong joint is formed, but severe friction occurs and the paint layer is broken up or sheared off

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejoint strengthVSAvoidfriction and paint layer damage
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connector element incorporates a tapered section where the cross-sectional area gradually decreases along the insertion direction. This parameter change allows the connector to be inserted with minimal friction and force, preventing paint layer damage while still achieving a secure joint through the tapered fit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The tapered section of the connector element introduces a curved, non-uniform geometry that facilitates smooth insertion. This curved transition from larger to smaller cross-section reduces stress concentration and friction compared to a uniform cylindrical pin, protecting the paint layer during assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Reliability

If tenons are pressed into slots over a long distance, then a secure connection is achieved, but severe friction causes damage to the paint layer on pre-painted parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidfriction and paint layer damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connector element features a tapered section with gradually changing cross-sectional dimensions along the insertion path. This parameter change reduces the insertion distance and friction force required to achieve a secure connection, protecting the paint layer from damage while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2933507B1Butt joint structure, window/door frame or window/door wing frame and frame profile element
Publication Date: 2019.06.12 KNEER INGO
  • EP2933507B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2933507B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP2933507B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a butt joint arrangement for window/door frames or window/door sash frames, in particular for wooden windows/doors, comprising: a first frame profile element, which has a first joining section arranged at one end of the frame profile element; and a second frame profile element, which has a second joining section with a insertion recess; wherein the second joining section is designed to be form-fit and/or force-fit to the first joining section by means of a plug-in connection element, and wherein the plug-in connection element and/or the insertion recess has a tapered design in the insertion direction.The present invention further relates to a window/door frame or window/door sash frame, in particular for wooden windows/doors, with such a butt joint arrangement, and to a frame profile element for window/door frames or window/door sash frames, for such a window/door frame or window/door sash frame.