Trapezoidal Profile Element for Fitting Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and complexity of providing specialized profile elements for fitting arrangements, which are needed for covering, guiding, and connecting components, make existing solutions inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A profile element with a trapezoidal cross-section, formed by inclined side sections and a base section, allowing for versatile functionality while being easy to manufacture, using a flat sheet metal strip and featuring bendable tabs for secure connections and guides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If specialized profile elements are provided for covering, guiding, and connecting components, then functional versatility is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single profile element with a trapezoidal cross-section that can perform multiple functions (covering, guiding, and connecting components) rather than requiring separate specialized profile elements for each function. This reduces the variety of different parts needed while maintaining functional versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single profile element structure. The trapezoidal cross-section integrates covering, guiding, and connecting capabilities in one component, eliminating the need for multiple separate specialized elements and thereby reducing manufacturing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If specialized profile elements are provided for covering, guiding, and connecting components, then functional versatility is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The universal profile element design allows a single standardized component to replace multiple specialized elements, reducing the total number of different parts that need to be manufactured and stocked, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining functional versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by varying the dimensions and geometry of the trapezoidal cross-section to adapt the same basic profile element design for different applications (covering, guiding, connecting), allowing cost-effective manufacturing through standardized production processes.
3Ease of manufacture
If the side sections are made narrower (less than 15% of base section extent), then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but structural stability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the geometric parameters of the trapezoidal cross-section, specifically setting the side sections to be less than 15% of the base section extent, to achieve a balance between manufacturing simplicity and structural stability. This parameter optimization allows easy manufacturing while maintaining adequate structural integrity.
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 profile element effectively guides and secures components while being cost-effective and simple to produce, offering a versatile solution for various applications in fitting arrangements.
Implementation Method 1
tabs project from the bottom section into the hole, which can be bent by mounting the fastening element from a plane defined by the bottom section
Data Source
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AI summary
A profile element for covering, guiding, and/or connecting components of a hardware assembly is described. This element comprises a base section and side sections arranged on opposite longitudinal sides of the base section. The facing sides of the side sections each have an inner surface that forms an angle of less than 90° with the base section. A hardware assembly incorporating such a profile element is also described.