Ventilated Coupling Element for Flush Extruded Board Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling elements and end caps for extruded boards face challenges in maintaining secure attachment under varying climate conditions, particularly when made from polymer materials like PVC, and ensuring consistent flush surfaces and ventilation.
Innovation Solution
The development of coupling elements and end caps with matching cross-sections to extruded boards, featuring clamping extensions and ventilation notches, ensures secure attachment and flush surfaces while providing controlled ventilation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing coupling elements and end caps are used for extruded boards, then the basic coupling function is provided, but secure attachment under changing climate conditions cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element incorporates ventilation channels that allow changes in internal pressure and air flow parameters, enabling the structure to adapt to temperature and humidity variations in different climate conditions while maintaining secure attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element is divided into functional segments including clamping arms for mechanical attachment and ventilation channels for climate adaptation, allowing each segment to perform its specific function independently while contributing to overall reliability
2Reliability
If clamping mechanisms are added to improve coupling security, then attachment reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element merges the clamping function and ventilation function into a single integrated structure, where the clamping arms and ventilation channels work together in one component rather than requiring separate mechanisms, thus improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If ventilation channels are incorporated for climate resilience, then adaptability to climate conditions improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element incorporates ventilation channels that create a porous or channelled structure within the plastic material, allowing air and moisture passage for climate adaptation while maintaining structural integrity and enabling relatively simple injection molding manufacturing
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 solution maintains secure attachment of boards under changing climate conditions, ensures flush surfaces, and provides effective ventilation, enhancing durability and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
at least one clamping extensions extending from each face of the plate and positioned and shaped for clampingly fitting in the at least one respective longitudinal chamber
Implementation Method 2
a connection tab extending from the plate and positioned and shaped for abutting the respective board rear face allowing connecting to the rear face of the respective extruded board
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a coupling element for but end-to-end coupling of two similar extruded boards each having at least one longitudinal board chamber, a board front face and a board rear face, and a board cross section, the coupling element comprising a plate matching the cross section of the extruded boards and having two opposite substantially flat faces, the coupling element further comprising at least one clamping extensions extending from each face of the plate and positioned and shaped for clampingly fitting in the at least one respective longitudinal chamber, and a connection tab extending from the plate and positioned and shaped for abutting the respective board rear face allowing connecting to the rear face of the respective extruded board. There is further provided an end cap for attaching to an end of the extruded board.