U-Profile Clamp Transverse Engaging Element for Wall Frame Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing window and door mounting aids require two people for correct placement, as they necessitate one person inside the wall for stop brackets and another outside for the frame, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage to engaging elements due to misaligned force directions.

Innovation Solution

A U-profile clamp with an engaging element extending transversely between the side and connecting panels, enhancing force transmission and resilience, and incorporating clamping fingers for improved wall contact and watertight sealing, allowing single-person installation from one side of the wall.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the engaging element extends parallel to the fold line between side panels and connecting panel, then the clamp structure is simpler to manufacture, but the engaging element is prone to bending or damage under load

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamp manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidengaging element strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the orientation parameter of the engaging element from parallel to transverse relative to the fold line. This parameter change allows the engaging element to better withstand bending moments and loading forces, significantly improving its strength and resistance to deformation while maintaining manufacturability through standard folding processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If the engaging element extends at an acute angle to the connecting panel, then the clamp can be manufactured with standard folding, but the engaging element collapses quickly under load

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamp manufacturabilityVSAvoidengaging element reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the angular parameter of the engaging element from acute to transverse (90 degrees) relative to the fold line. This parameter optimization ensures that the engaging element is perpendicular to the fold line, maximizing its moment of inertia and resistance to bending, thereby preventing collapse under load while remaining compatible with standard manufacturing processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If stop brackets are placed on the inner side of the wall, then the frame can be fixed structurally, but two people are required for correct placement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe fixationVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the need for internal stop brackets by providing a U-profile clamp that spans the entire wall thickness. The engaging element protrudes from the outer face of the wall, eliminating the requirement for internal supporting structures and enabling single-person installation from the outer side only

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Strength

If traditional screwing or gluing methods are used, then the frame can be mounted securely, but the fitting time is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting securityVSAvoidfitting time
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the time-consuming mechanical processes of screwing or gluing with a pure mechanical clamping system. The U-profile clamp with its engaging element provides immediate mechanical fixation that holds the frame securely in position, eliminating the waiting time required for adhesive curing or multiple screw fastening operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP1911922B1Clamp for mounting a frame in a wall
Publication Date: 2014.07.02 DECEUNINCK NV
  • EP1911922B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1911922B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1911922B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a substantially U-shaped clamp functioning as aid for fixing a frame in an opening arranged in a wall, comprising two side panels which extend substantially parallel to each other and which are mutually connected by a connecting panel extending substantially transversely of the side panels, wherein the side panels are adapted to extend in the installed position on either side of the wall part, and an engaging element which extends at an acute angle to the connecting panel from the connecting panel to the side of the connecting panel remote from the side panels, and which is adapted to engage behind a part of the frame for fixing, wherein the engaging element extends in the direction transversely of the fold line between the side panels and the connecting panel. As a result of this measure the direction of the forces during loading coincides with the longitudinal direction of the engaging element, so that the engaging element can better withstand these forces.