Window Connector With Rotating Bearing Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connectors for frame profiles in window and door construction require spreading aids, especially for small window sizes, making the installation process complex and costly, and do not facilitate easy integration of post, transom, or rung profiles without mechanical assistance.

Innovation Solution

A connector with a penetrating element featuring a transfer element and rotatably mounted contact elements that allows for easy alignment and insertion of post, transom, or rung profiles without the need for spreading aids, utilizing a design with an inclined plane and clamping elements for stability, and made from materials like aluminum-zinc die-cast alloy for durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional connectors are used for frame profiles, then mechanical connection is achieved, but spreading aids are required especially for small windows making installation complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector acts as an intermediary element between the frame profile and the mullion/transom/glazing bar profile. It includes a connecting plate with frame holes for attachment to the frame profile, and an insertion element that penetrates the hollow chamber of the profile to be connected. This intermediary structure enables direct mechanical connection without requiring spreading aids or complex installation tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The insertion element is designed to be inserted into the hollow chamber of the mullion, transom, or glazing bar profile, effectively nesting the connector within the profile structure. The bearing element is rotatably mounted within the connector assembly, allowing it to adapt to the profile wall during insertion and connection, simplifying the installation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Productivity

If frame profiles are forced apart for insertion, then connection is achieved, but this is particularly time-consuming for small windows and necessitates spreading aids

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is pre-assembled with the insertion element positioned to penetrate the hollow chamber of the profile. The bearing element is pre-mounted on rotation axes that will engage with the profile wall during insertion. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site spreading operations and reduces installation time significantly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If rotatably mounted bearing elements are added to the connector, then transfer of profile over insertion element is facilitated, but connector complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprofile transfer easeVSAvoidconnector complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing element is mounted to rotate about an axis, transforming it from a static component to a dynamic one. During the connection process, the bearing element rotates to follow the contour of the profile wall, facilitating smooth transfer of the profile over the insertion element. This dynamic adaptation simplifies operation despite the added rotational mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Simplifies the installation process by eliminating the need for spreading aids, enhances stability through clamping and contact elements, and reduces production complexity, particularly for small window sizes, while maintaining structural integrity.

Implementation Method 1

at least one bearing element for bearing against a wall of the mullion, transom or glazing bar profile

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

at least one bearing element is rotatably mounted about an axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotation:

Implementation Method 3

at least one transfer element that significantly facilitates the transfer of the mullion, transom, or glazing profile over the insertion element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction reduction: Friction

Implementation Method 4

connecting plate having frame bores for fastening the connecting plate to the frame profile

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP4012148B1Connector for the mechanical connection of frame profiles with mullion, transom or impost profiles in window and door construction and connection comprising same
Publication Date: 2024.10.30 REHAU IND SE & CO KG
  • EP4012148B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4012148B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4012148B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a connector (1) for mechanically connecting a frame profile (20) to a mullion, transom, or glazing profile (30) in window and door construction, comprising a connecting plate (10), frame bores (12) for fastening the connecting plate (10) to the frame profile (20), and at least one insertion element (14) for insertion into a hollow chamber of the frame profile (20). The connector (1) is characterized according to the invention in that the insertion element (14) comprises at least one transfer element (16) for facilitating the transfer of the mullion or glazing profile (30) over the insertion element (14). Furthermore, the present invention relates to a connection (40) between a frame profile (20) and a mullion, transom, or glazing profile (30) of a window or door, comprising a frame profile (20), a mullion, transom, or glazing profile (30), and a connector according to the invention.