Twist-Lock Thermal Insulation Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connecting elements for thermal insulation around containers are prone to loosening over time due to aging and heat exposure, and often cannot be easily detached for maintenance, lacking secure and long-lasting closure solutions.
Innovation Solution
A connecting element comprising two strip-like profile elements with a fastening section, where one element has a semicircular receptacle and the other has arcuate insert regions, featuring a retaining shoulder that narrows the opening cross-section, ensuring a form-fit connection that can be securely closed and opened by twisting, avoiding adhesive reliance and wear issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive bonding is used to connect profile elements, then initial closure is achieved, but the connection deteriorates over time due to aging and heat exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces adhesive bonding with a mechanical interlocking system consisting of a profile element with a receptacle and an insert with arcuate end regions. The convex outer surfaces of the insert engage with the concave inner surface of the receptacle, creating a wear-free mechanical connection that eliminates the deterioration problems associated with adhesive aging and heat exposure.
2Reliability
If conventional connecting elements are used, then closure is achieved, but they cannot be easily detached for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic connection system where the insert can be rotated within the receptacle. The arcuate end regions allow the insert to be twisted in one direction to engage securely with the receptacle, and twisted in the opposite direction to release. This dynamic mechanism provides both secure closure during operation and easy detachment for maintenance.
3Ease of operation
If simple insertion is used, then ease of closure is improved, but unintentional opening becomes possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric geometry where the convex outer surfaces of the insert's arcuate end regions are designed to match the concave inner surface of the receptacle. This asymmetric shape allows easy insertion in one direction while preventing removal in the opposite direction, as the insert would need to be rotated to disengage, thereby preventing unintentional opening.
4Reliability
If secure locking is implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated profile element structure. The receptacle and insert are designed as unified components where the concave inner surface, retaining shoulder, and arcuate end regions work together as one system. This merging achieves secure locking without requiring multiple separate fastening mechanisms, thereby maintaining structural simplicity.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~8c
AI summary
The connector has strip-like profile elements (7,8) that are provided with mounting portion (9) for end surface of cuff-like surrounding thermal insulation. The mounting portion of profile element is formed with receptacle having concave cross-sectional semi-circular arcuate inner surface. The mounting portion of other profile element is formed with cross section arcuate end regions. The outer surface of the end region is formed with flattened free end while the outer surface of other end region is formed to hold retaining shoulder via tilting edge of groove.