U-Shaped Connector Reinforcement for Hollow Profiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing U-shaped connectors for hollow profiles face challenges in fully automatic processing, particularly with shearing forces, leading to potential breakage or dislodgment, which can allow desiccant to enter the insulating glass panes, and fail to adapt to varying profile tolerances.
Innovation Solution
The connector features a reinforcement in its middle region with a tapered design, including a material thickening and crowned waist, which enhances mechanical insertion and shearing stability while allowing self-adaptation to different profiles, and includes stops and beveled side bars for secure fitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the connector is designed with standard strength, then it can be easily inserted into hollow profiles, but it breaks or slips out under greater shearing forces during fully automatic processing
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct functional zones: a reinforcement zone in the middle region with increased wall thickness for strength, and tapered side regions for easy insertion. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector has non-uniform wall thickness with a local thickening in the middle region where shearing forces are highest, while the side regions maintain smaller thickness for ease of insertion. This local quality variation optimizes both strength and operability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the connector has uniform wall thickness, then it is simple to manufacture, but it cannot adapt to varying profile tolerances and may jam during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The wall thickness parameter of the connector is varied along its length, with the middle region having greater thickness than the side regions. This parameter change enables the connector to adapt to tolerance variations in hollow profiles while maintaining manufacturability.
3Strength
If reinforcement is added to the connector, then shearing stability improves, but the fit in hollow profile and passage of drying material may be impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement is localized to the middle region of the connector, separating the strengthening function from the insertion and desiccant flow functions that occur at the side regions. This spatial segmentation ensures that reinforcement does not interfere with profile fit or desiccant passage.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector has locally increased wall thickness only where needed for shearing stability, while maintaining appropriate clearance and fit characteristics in the side regions for proper insertion and desiccant flow through the hollow profile.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Plastic U-shaped connector (1) comprises a reinforced part (11) in its central region. Preferred Features: The reinforced part is formed on the inner sides of side bars (3) and is formed as a thicker material. Stops (8) are provided on the outer sides (5) of the side bars.