Vertical Axis Locking Substructure for Profile Supports

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing substructures for supporting visible profiles, such as those used in designing horizontal surfaces like walking or terrace areas, lack a secure and easily adjustable mechanism to ensure the attachment of profile supports at various angles, particularly in securing the closure part against lifting off.

Innovation Solution

A substructure with a closure part that can be rotated about a vertical axis between securing and release positions, engaging in a form-fitting receptacle to provide a positive fit and secure attachment between profile carriers, allowing for adjustable angle connections between profile supports.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a closure part is used to secure the attachment against lifting off, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components and assembly steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidattachment structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The closure part integrates multiple functions: it secures the attachment against lifting off, prevents rotational displacement, and provides a visible indication of the secured state. By combining these functions into a single component that rotates into a locking position, the design reduces overall complexity while maintaining high reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The closure part features a positive locking mechanism with a form-fitting receptacle that automatically engages when the closure part is rotated into the securing position. This self-locking feature eliminates the need for additional fastening operations or complex securing mechanisms, as the closure part itself provides the securing action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If the closure part is made rotatable between securing and release positions, then the ease of operation is improved for assembly and disassembly, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase to ensure proper engagement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly and disassemblyVSAvoidengagement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The closure part is designed to be rotatable between a release position and a securing position, transforming a static connection into a dynamic one that can be easily adjusted. This rotational movement allows workers to quickly assemble and disassemble the attachment without complex tools or procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment and closure part are pre-configured with complementary geometries including protrusions and form-fitting receptacles. This preliminary design ensures that when the closure part is rotated into the securing position, the positive locking engagement occurs automatically without requiring additional adjustment or precision during the assembly operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If the closure part engages in a form-fitting receptacle to provide positive fit, then the stability of the connection is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for precise geometric matching

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidgeometric design
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The closure part and its form-fitting receptacle utilize asymmetric geometric designs with specific protrusions and corresponding recesses. This asymmetric configuration ensures that the closure part can only engage in one correct orientation, providing stable positive locking while the simplicity of the asymmetric form keeps the geometric design straightforward rather than complex.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP3940168B1Substructure for receiving visible profiles, accessory and locking part
Publication Date: 2023.05.03 MOLLER
  • EP3940168B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3940168B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3940168B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a substructure (1) for receiving visible profiles (2), wherein profile supports (3), on which the visible profiles (2) can be supported, are arranged at an angle to each other and are connected by means of an attachment part (12), wherein the attachment part (12) can further be attached to a web (13) of the connected profile support (3) on the outside by means of a hook-shaped attachment section (19) forming a receiving space (22), wherein the attached attachment part (12) is secured against being lifted upwards, wherein a locking part (32) is further provided which is movable relative to the profile support (3) between a release position and a locking position in which it engages in a positive locking recess (49) of the profile support (3).To further improve the design of a substructure (1) of the type in question, it is proposed that the locking element (32) be movable relative to the attachment element (12) about a rotation axis (x) that is essentially vertical in a use state of the substructure (1) and, in the locked position, also engage in a positive locking receptacle (48) of the attachment element (12). The invention further relates to an attachment element (12) for connecting profile supports (3) forming a substructure (1) for receiving visible profiles (2).