Field

The invention relates to a modular scaffold system based on modular structural connector for the construction of variable scaffolds from hollow profiles, e.g. laboratory and instrument scaffolds. The modular construction connector is assembled from modules (parts). The modular concept makes it possible to create connectors for connecting profiles into scaffolds of many sizes and shapes. The invention is applicable to all industries that create supporting or load-bearing structures, such as OEM manufacturers, laboratories, industrial solutions for structures and buildings, hobbies and others.

Prior art

Basic part of most buildings/structures/equipment is a scaffold (frame), which forms its supporting structure. Due to the availability of light and strong prefabricated profiles of various shapes (profile generally means hollow tube with profiled cross-section - usually square or rectangular, or a special cross-sectional shape, such as a combi profile) it is possible to assemble a suitable combination of profiles of different lengths into many different frame shapes, in which manufacturers install electronic devices, functional containers or serve as storage spaces. These frames can be provided with a case. The connection of the frame components is performed in various ways. One way is solid welding, however, once the profiles are welded, they cannot be easily dismantled. In addition, the welded surfaces are uneven and the surface tends to be a different colour. This approach is demanding since it requires welding techniques and an experienced person, because welding is too dangerous for an untrained person. The profiles can also be screwed, riveted or glued together.

A common way is to connect hollow profiles using connectors or adapters located at the end of these profiles. These connectors are mostly made of plastic. Structurally, these connectors are designed in a similar way, they consist of the central part and projections or shoulders, which are adapted to be inserted into the hollow profiles during assembling. The fastening of the connector with the profile is ensured by the pressure of the intervening, friction, glue, screw and the like. A well-known solution is plastic connectors, which allow the connection of different numbers of profiles. Connectors usually have from two to four connecting projections. Such a method of connecting is described in several patent applications or patents. US5700102A1 describes many different variations of the shapes of the connector adapters, in some cases very difficult to manufacture. In US7014267B1, the square shaped profiles are connected by means of individual connectors. It is necessary to use a different type of connector for each type of connection (e.g. a corner connects 3 profiles, the central part connects 4 profiles). US7883288B2 describes a slightly different embodiment, a common feature with the previous one is many types of profiles according to the number of connected profiles and fixation of the connector with profile by the friction only. Device manufacturers or the end user must purchase various connector variants. The manufacturer of these connectors has to produce many variants, which increases production, storage and logistics requirements. It also means that they must have a number of production moulds that are an investment burden, as well as a production press for each part (increased maintenance requirements, high initial investment, staff costs, etc.), their prices depend on the quality and type of product, range from about a hundred CZK to thousands of CZK per part.

A more efficient way of solution is a modular system, i.e. the division of the whole component into a central part and projections, which are inserted into the profile. By combining them, many scaffold shapes of the can be assembled. There are many variants of this solution, however, with certain limitations. US20090175678A1 describes a method of forming a comer connector by screwing the three pins to the hollow hexagonal cube with three solid walls. This construction enables to create a scaffold corner, any other shapes cannot be created. Similarly, the solution is described in US20170030390A1, where the entire connector is assembled by assembling components into the intended shape of the connector. This solution enables to connect only three bar elements at a time. An interesting method of connector design is disclosed in US20050036829A1. The central part is a versatile part, which is drilled at different angles in specific parts. Tubular profiles are placed directly in the drilled holes. This method allows the construction of different shapes of the resulting scaffold.

Document US20110194892A1 describes a conceptually advanced construction of forming a connector by simple screwing. There is a threaded hole in each of the central six-sided parts. A hollow pin is then screwed into it. The solution can also be used for round profiles. The disadvantage seems to be the absence of fixation preventing rotation due to slipping. The patent also describes a variant where the pins are connected to the central part by four screws. This solution prevents rotational slippage, but significantly complicates production and increases its costs (need for 24 additional threads) and fastening material. The bar profiles are connected to the projections by another set of four screws, which again increases the costs.

A similar solution is also described in US6854238B2, wherein the concept of the invention in respect to the shape of the parts is significantly more complicated than in the previous patent, but it enables to assemble the connector with pins at different angles and the connector is not limited to six pins, as in the previous cases. Another similar modular system is described in US20150377414A1. Unlike the previous ones, the connection of the node and the pin is realized by the third necessary part, the connector, which replaces the screw connection. The solution from EP0344120A1 is similar to the previous ones, the difference is in the way of connecting the central part and the massive profiles. The connection is made by snapping the connector, consisting of a recessed part and a threaded pin, which is screwed into the central part of the connector.

AT521657A1 describes a very efficient way of building modular connectors. The connector consists of two parts, a central node and pins, which are mutually connected by a screw. Fixation against rotary slip is solved by holes in the node and plugs on the pin, which fit into each other and do not allow slipping. However, it is clear to a person skilled in the art that the torsion limit of this solution will be small. The node and pin have the same diameter, which creates gaps between the joints and uneven surfaces when the tubular profiles are used.

The aim of the present invention is to provide a new system of modular structural connectors, which with its properties and parameters would be easy and trouble-free to use for a wide range of applications and would eliminate the shortcomings of the known solutions. of the invention

A modular structural connector according to the present invention represents a basis for original modular scaffold system designed for the construction of scaffolds of various shapes and functions, such as load-bearing frames for devices, laboratory, and research systems, and can be expected for use in other areas such as healthcare, construction, engineering, space applications, design and others. The modular structural connector (hereinafter also briefly modular connector or simply connector) is used to connect hollow structural profiles. It consists of a central module to which various other types of modules are connected. By hollow construction profile (hereinafter also briefly profile) we mean an elongated hollow object, a tube which has a square cross-section and is made, for example, of aluminium, steel or plastic. A hollow structural profile in the sense of the present invention is also co-called combi profile (a profile with a central cavity and a groove).

A basic part of the modular connector is a central module, which serves as a central node and has a shape of a cube. It is possible to connect various modules, e.g. an end module, to each of the six walls of this cube. Three through channels pass through the central module so that each channel passes through the geometric centre of the cube and is perpendicular to the respective opposite walls of the cube, into which it opens through an orifice intended for connection to another module, e.g. the end module, sing suitable fastening means.

The end module is a substantially straight pin with a square cross-section adapted for insertion into the profile. The end module has an abutment surface for abutting against one of the surfaces of the central module. A central cavity extends through the body of the end module perpendicularly to the abutment surface, adapted for fastening the end module to the central module using suitable fastening means (e.g. a bolt, a screw, a self-tapping screw). Preferably, the central cavity is shaped so that its part closer to the abutment surface comprises a transition cone for suitable fastening means (bolt) with a countersunk head complementary in shape to the transition cone. Thanks to the transition cone, the contact area is increased and thus the pressing / fixing force acting on an area between the central module and the end module is increased.

A prevention of rotation (torsional limit) is solved by a special groove, which always has the shape of a square (around the contact surface) groove (preferably with a triangular cross section) on a surface of the central module, and by a square fixing protrusion with complementary cross-section (preferably triangular) on the abutment surface of the end module (and an angular module and hinge module as well). The two shapes fit together fully when the modules are connected, creating an additional barrier with a large contact area preventing the connected modules from rotating relative to each other.

The end module, adapted for inserting into hollow structural profiles, is preferably provided with expansion gaps, and fastened with a fixing pin in these profiles. Fixation is ensured by the fact that, thanks to the expansion gaps, the part of the end module inserted in the profile cavity is expanded after the fixing pin has been pushed in.

In a preferred embodiment, mechanical properties of the end module can optionally be improved by additional installation of the reinforcing means, e.g. metal rods, which significantly increases the tensile and shear strength of this module. The reinforcing means are placed in four longitudinal channels with an outlet on an upper surface (opposite to the abutment surface) of the end module.

In an alternative embodiment, the end module can be adapted for a combi profile. Such a module is referred to as a combi module in this application. It is essentially a modified end module having a compact bottom portion (substantially identical to the end module) that have an abutment surface for abutting against one of the surfaces of the central module and an upper finger portion that includes four fingers (pins) for insertion into grooves of the combi profile.

Another type of the module is an angle module, enabling to connect structural profiles at essentially any angle, for example preferably at angles of 30°, 45° and 60°. The central module and the end module, the central module and the angle module and the end module and the angle module are joined by respective contact/abutment surfaces and connected to each other by one fastening means, e.g. a bolt, which passes through the end module or the angle module and is mechanically fixed in the central module or the angular module. Contact/abutment surfaces can be additionally glued to increase the strength of the joint. The prevention of rotation (torsional limit) is solved by a fixing groove, as mentioned above.

The whole set of modules is designed so that the central module and adjacent profiles are in the plane (the end module is dimensioned for precise insertion into the profile, while the outer size of the profile edge is identical to the edge size of the central module), which allows easy scaffolds casing without the existence of the jumps or gaps.

Further module is a hinge module for hinge formation, where the hinge body is composed of two identical hinge modules, which are interconnected by a suitable pin or bolt with a tightening nut for fixing the hinge movement at the desired location/angle. The hinge module has an abutment surface identical to the abutment surface of the end module. A central cavity (analogously to the end module) extends through the body of the hinge module perpendicularly to the abutment surface and opens into the abutment surface through an orifice adapted for fastening the hinge module to the central module. The prevention of rotation (torsional limit) is solved by a fixing groove, as mentioned above.

The modular construction connector according to the present invention is more versatile compared to connector systems available on the market. Only two types of modules are sufficient to create a multi-directional connection of profiles. The connectors formed from the modules according to the present invention can, if necessary, be disassembled into the basic modules which can be reused or recycled. The prior art solutions require a different connector for different profile connections, a different part for each type of connection, which means that the manufacturer needs many various production moulds.

The modules can be made of plastic, metal (increased durability and load-bearing capacity) or other construction and building materials. The character and shape of the modules is primarily adapted to easy and efficient 3D printing. This production method appears to be the most advantageous, it has been tested and the results are described in the examples of the embodiment of the present invention.

The modular construction connector according to the present invention has a number of advantageous properties, such as:

- The connector consists of a central module and one or two other modules;

- The connector for connecting up to six profiles can be assembled from only two types of modules, a central module and an end module;

- Universal side symmetry of the central and the end module - they are independent on the orientation during assembly;

- The central module and the other module connected to it are fixed against rotation by a universal fixing groove and a complementary protrusion;

- The end module is fixed in the hollow profile by expansion using a fixing pin. By removing it, the profile can be easily detached from the connector;

- The connector can also contain an alternative combi end module, which can be used to connect conventional combi profiles;

- Some modules can be additionally reinforced and their structural integrity can be strengthened;

- The connector can be easily disassembled, reused or recycled; - Precise abutment (fitting) of the structural profile to the body of the central module (identical length of the edge of the central module and the profile) leads to the absence of gaps, jumps or visible transitions;

- The connectors can also be made of several angular modules and thus essentially any spatial angle (in a direction of the X, Y and Z axes) can be created;

- The modules can be manufactured by various method and from various materials (3D printing; CNC; concrete, plastic);

- The modules can be manufactured in various dimensions from units of centimetres to meters.

The subject-matter of the present invention is the modular structural connector for connecting structural profiles as described herein and as defined in the appended claims 1 to 12.

Specific embodiments of the invention are schematically illustrated in figures of the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 - Illustration of the central module of the modular connector.

FIG. 2 - Illustration of the end module of the modular connector.

FIG. 3 - Detail of disassembled connection of the central module, the end module and the construction profile (A) and a detail in the planar section (B).

FIG. 4 - Detail of the connection of the central module, the end module and the construction profile (A) and a detail in the planar section (B).

FIG. 5 - Connection of three structural profiles using a modular structural connector.

FIG. 6 - Connection of six structural profiles using a modular structural connector.

FIG. 7 - Overview of all modules of the modular structural connector.

FIG. 8 - Detailed illustration of the angle modules for connection of the profiles at an angle of 30° (A), 45° (B) and 60° (C).

FIG. 9 - Illustration of the connector assembled from the central module, the angle module and the end module for forming angle joints 30° (A), 45° (B) and 60° (C).

FIG. 10 - Multiple connection of angle modules for routing the end module by a spatial. FIG. 11 - Detailed illustration of the hinge module.

FIG. 12 - Illustration of the hinge connection, where the hinge is formed of two identical hinge modules.

FIG. 13 - Examples of the use of the hinge connection.

FIG. 14 - Combi type profile (A) and a combi module, i.e. modified end module for connecting combi construction profile (B).

FIG. 15 - Illustration of the connection of different types of structural profiles, a standard profile and a combi profile.

FIG. 16 - Example of scale selection.

FIG. 17 - Real use of modular structural connectors (manufactured by 3D printing) to create a frame for laboratory instruments.

FIG. 18 - Real use of modular structural connectors (manufactured by 3D printing) to create a frame for laboratory instruments.

The drawings, which illustrate the present invention and the examples of specific embodiments described below, in no way limit the scope of protection given in the claim definition, but merely clarify the essence of the invention.

Examples of the invention

Example 1 - Basic parts of a modular connector, their assembly and connection with a structural profile

The basic parts of the modular structural connector according to the present invention (shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2) are a central module 101 and an end module 111.

The central module 101 (FIG. 1) has the shape of a cube with specific features. Three through channels 102a pass through the module 101 so that each channel passes through the geometric centre (gravity centre) of the cube and is perpendicular to the respective opposite walls of the cube into which it opens through an orifice 102b. Thus, on each of the six surfaces (walls) of this cube, there is an opening 102b in the (geometric) centre of the surface, which is adapted for connection to the end module 111 by means of suitable fastening means 201 (e.g. bolt or screw with a metric or inch thread). The size, character and surface of the channel 102a is variable, it can have different diameters and surface finishes (e.g. a suitable internal thread). The channel 102a may be smooth, with a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the self-tapping screw 201. In an alternative embodiment, the channel 102a is provided with a thread compatible with the thread of the respective fastening bolt 201.

On the surfaces of the central module 101, closer to the outer edge (circumference), there is a recessed universal fixing groove 103 in the shape of a square and with a cross-section in the shape of a triangle, preferably an isosceles triangle. This groove 103 is complementary to the universal fixing protrusion 116 on the abutment surface of the end module 111. It serves to prevent the rotation of the end module 111 relative to the central module 101 during rotational strain and thus to a significant increase in torsional strength of the structure. FIG. 1 shows a section through a central plane of the central module 101. The cross-section shows the character of the profile of the universal fixing groove 103, the way of drilling the channels 102a and the location of the orifices 102b on the walls of the module 101. The shape of the central module 101 is designed so that its side orientation does not matter when it is connected to the end modules 111, and it is easy to produce using 3D printing.

The second basic part is the end module 111 (FIG. 2). It has a shape of the perpendicular prism with a square base. A central cavity 112a passes through the middle of the end module 111 perpendicularly to its base, being shaped such that its portion closer to the abutment surface (abutment surface is the base of the module 111, which abut on one of the surfaces of the central module 101) comprises a transition cone 112b for suitable fastening means 201 with countersunk head (complementary in shape to the transition cone 112b). The cavity 112a opens into the abutment surface through an orifice 117 for the free passage of the suitable fastening means 201. On the abutment surface of the end module 111, closer to the outer edge, an universal fixing protrusion 116 is located, having a shape of the square and triangular cross-section, preferably an isosceles triangle, which is complementary to the universal fixing groove 103 on the surfaces of the central module 101. It serves to prevent the rotation of the end module 111 relative to the central module 101 during rotational strain and thus it significant increases torsional strength of the structure.

Another important feature of the end module 111 are circular holes 113 and expansion gaps 114 located symmetrically on each of the four longitudinal sides of the prism (parallel to the sides of the construction profile) traversing into the central cavity 112a. The circular holes 113 serve to insert the fixing pin 203, whereby the upper part of the end module 111 is expanded after pin 203 inserting into the profile 202 and thus it is fixed with the end module 111. The expansion gaps 114 allow this expansion. The shape of the end module 111 is designed so that its side orientation does not matter when it is connected to the central module 101, and it is easy to produce by 3D printing. Channels 115 with an outlet on an upper surface (opposite to the abutment surface) of the end module 111 serve to optionally strengthen the structural integrity of the end module 111. These four channels 115 can be filled with a suitable metal bar of circular cross section (e.g. a rod, a threaded rod), and thus significantly increase the strength of the module 111 in tension, shear and torsion.

By connecting the central module 101 and at least two end modules 111, a connector for connecting at least two profiles is formed, e.g. a straight connector or a comer connector of two profiles, a corner connector of 3 profiles (FIG. 5) or a comer connector of 6 profiles (FIG. 6), as are shown below in Example 2. Such a connector is formed using only the two modules 101, 111 disclosed above.

In FIG. 3 and 4, a detailed example of an assembly of one central module 101, one end module 111, suitable fastening means - a bolt 201 and a structural profile 202 is shown. The figures also show details of this assembly in planar section. The end module 111 is abutted against the central module 101 from any side so that the universal fixing groove 103 and the universal fixing protrusion 116 fit into each other. The module 111 is fixed to the module 101 by a countersunk head screw 201 which passes through the central cavity 112a and the orifice 117, the countersunk head of the bolt 201 abuts against the transition cone 112b. After correct abutting of the protrusion 116 of the abutment surface of the end module 111 against the universal fixing groove 103 of the wall of the central module 101, the orifice 117 is axially concentric with the orifice 102b in the wall (and the channel 102a in the body) of the central module 101. A mechanically resistant unit is formed after the central module 101 and the end module 111 are assembled and fastened with the bolt 201. The surfaces of the universal fixing groove 103 and the universal fixing protmsion 116, or the entire wall area of the module 101 and the abutment surface of the module 111 can optionally be glued to ensure even higher mechanical strength, but then a possibility of disassembly and reassembly is lost.

The connection of the hollow structural profile 202 and the end module 111 is performed by slipping the profile 202 over the end module 111, the profile 202 being secured on the end module 111 by the fixing pin 203 (optionally also provided with a thread), which after pressing (screwing) into the end module 111 through the prepared orifice 204, thanks to the expansion gap 114, slightly expands the upper portion of the end module 111, thereby increases a volume of the portion of the end module 111 inserted in the profile 202 and thus fixes mechanically the end module 111 in the profile 202. The fixing pin 203 (or a suitable screw) can be pushed out (unscrewed), which reduces the volume of the end module 111 and subsequently the hollow structural profile 202 can be easily detached from the module 111.

A side length of the central module 101 corresponds to a length of the outer side of the structural profile 202 and a side length of the end module 111 corresponds to a length of the inner side of the structural profile 202. This condition ensures that the edge of the structural profile 202 fits exactly and tightly around the circumference of the edges 205 on the body of the central module 101 and does not create an undesired gap or jump between the two parts.

The central module 101 and the end module 111 described in the examples were manufactured and used for hollow structural profiles of the square profile (cross-section) with an outer edge length of 20 mm. As can be seen in FIG. 15, by enlarging the basic scale, for example, modules for 30 mm and 70 mm profiles can be produced. It is obvious to a person skilled in the art of construction that any dimension value can be chosen, according to the required parameters of the profiles and the frame being built.

The modular structural connector according to the invention is a basis of an original modular system intended for the construction of scaffolds of various shapes and functions, such as supporting structures for instrumentation, laboratory and research systems, and can be envisaged in other areas such as healthcare, construction, engineering, design and others. From this implies a need to use a variety of structural materials according to the desired mechanical properties. In the construction of lightweight aluminium or plastic frames, low-cost plastics can be used for the production of the modules with suitable mechanical properties and easy production, either in the form of moulding or, most preferably, in the form of 3D printing. For structures requiring high strength, composite or metal material will be used and a production will take place in a suitable way of metalworking (e.g. CNC) or 3D metal printing. Dimensions can also be scaled to dimensions usable in building industry. The shape and character of the components enables production on an industrial scale from reinforced concrete. Example 2 - Creating a connector for 3 and 6 structural profiles

The modular structural connector according to the invention allows the connection of up to six structural profiles 202. In this example, the embodiments are described for creating an assembly for three (FIG. 5) and six (FIG. 6) connection points. Connection of the end module 111 to the central module 101 is described in Example 1. In this way, other end modules 111 are also connected to the central module 101 in a proper layout using suitable fastening means

201.

FIG. 5 shows a partially decomposed scheme of the assembly of the frame corner, i.e. the connection of three hollow structural profiles 202 by using a connector comprising one central module 101, three end modules 111, fastening means 201 and fixing pins 203 or screws. The figure shows a smooth fit between the structural profiles 202 and the connector, i.e. the absence of gaps, jumps or visible transitions at the edges 205. This feature is also apparent from the examples of the actual embodiments of the invention in FIG. 18. Precise fitting allows easier casing/panelling of the frames formed using modular structural connectors according to the invention.

FIG. 6 shows an assembly of the connector for connecting six hollow structural profiles

202. In prior art, the hexagonal connector is not normally commercially available. An example construction consists of the central module 101, six end modules 111, suitable bolts 201 and fixing pins 203 or screws. The figure again shows a smooth fit between the structural profiles 202 and the connector, i.e. the absence of gaps, jumps or visible transitions at the edges 205.

Example 3 - Angle modules and their use

A way of connecting a central module 101 and an end module 111 has been designed universally so that it can be used for other types of the modules as well. FIG. 7 shows several other types of the modules that can be used for a construction of the frames by means of modular structural connectors, namely an angle module 301, 302, 303, a hinge module 304 (described in more detail in Example 4 bellow) and a module 305 for connecting a construction profile 306 of so-called combi type (described in more detail in Example 5 bellow).

The angle module 301, 302, 303 comprises an abutment surface (i.e. a surface for abutting against the surface of the central module 101) and a contact surface (i.e. a surface for contacting with the abutment surface of the end module 111 or other angle module, wherein the contact surface forms a required angle with the abutment surface). The angle module has a wedge-shaped or oblique prism-shaped body, where the base is rectangular in shape and comprises the abutment surface provided with the universal fixing protrusion 106 for fitting the surface of the central module 101, and two mutually opposite side walls perpendicular to the base (abutment surface) in the shape of a triangle (for 30° and 45° angles) or trapezoid (for 60° angle). The above angles are given as examples of the most commonly used angles, but the shape of the angle module can be easily modified according to the desired angle if it is to be different from the above.

An angle connector for connecting e.g. two profiles at a desired angle will comprise the central module 101, at least one selected angle module 301, 302, 303 and two end modules 111. FIG. 8 shows an example of three types of the angle modules, namely a module 301 for an angle of thirty degrees, a module 302 for an angle of forty five degrees, and a module 303 for an angle of sixty degrees. A central cavity 112a passes through the centre of the abutment surface and perpendicularly thereto with a transition cone 112b (in analogous way to the module 111) for a suitable countersunk head fastening means 201, opening in the abutment surface through an orifice 117 for free passage of suitable fastening means 201 through which the angle module 301, 302, 303 are connected to the central module 101 or another angle module. On the contact surface of the angle module 301, 302, 303 (i.e. the surface which forms the desired angle with the abutment surface, e.g. 30°, 45° or 60°, as mentioned above), there is a universal fixing groove 103 (identical to a surface of the central module 101) for fastening the end module 111. The angle module 301, 302, 303 is provided with a channel 102a (analogously to the central module 101) perpendicular to the contact surface and opening in the contact surface through an orifice 102b for connection to the end module 111 by suitable fastening means 201 (e.g. a bolt or screw with metric or inch thread). The examples of forming 30°, 45° and 60° angle connectors using angle modules is shown in FIG. 9. For a construction of more complicated shapes of scaffolds, it is necessary to connect structural profiles at different angles. For this purpose, multiple angle modules can be joined together, as shown in FIG. 10. Example 4 - Hinge module

Hinges can also be created in a modular scaffold system (see FIGS. 11, 12). The body of the hinge is composed of two identical hinge modules 304, which are interconnected by suitable connecting means 310, e.g. a pin with a thread or a bolt at one end on which a tightening nut for fixing of the hinge movement at the desired location/angle is placed, preferably in the form of a tightening wheel 308, and a nut 311 is located in a recess of suitable shape 309b at the other end, preventing the bolt 310 from rotating freely as the hinge moves. The hinge module 304 has a square-shaped abutment surface (i.e. abutment surface for abutting against the wall of the central module 101) identical to the abutment surface of the end module 111, i.e. also provided with a universal fixing protrusion 116 of square shape and a triangular cross-section which is complementary with a universal fixing groove 103 on the sides of the central module 101. The hinge module 304 has a shape of the "hut", where two arched faces (opposite walls perpendicular to the abutment surface having the shape of a full arch). Perpendicular to these arched faces, a channel 309 passes through a body of the hinge module 304 to connect the two hinge modules 304. The channel 309 opens at one face through an orifice 309a for a passage of the bolt 310 and at the other face through a recess 309b for the nut 311. To connect the two hinge modules 304 and fix the connection, the bolt 310 is provided with nuts 311 and a tightening wheel 308. The channel passes through the centre of the tightening wheel 308 and opens on the one side through the recess 308a for countersink head screw and on the side through the recess 308b for the nut 311. A central cavity 112a (analogous to the end module 111) provided with a transition cone 112b and opening in the abutment surface through an orifice 117 passes through the body of the hinge module 304, perpendicularly to the abutment surface, for fastening the hinge module 304 to the central module 101. Functional hinge is formed so that the hinge module 304 disposed at one part of the frame is connected to the second hinged module 304 located on the other part of the frame by the bolt 310 passing through the channel 309, and the connection is fixed in position by tightening wheel 308 using nuts 311 (one nut 311 fits into the recess 308b in the wheel 308 and the second nut 311 fits into the recess 309b in the hinge module 304).

Illustration of hinge assembly (hinge connection) is shown in FIG. 12. FIG. 13 shows a design of the hinge used in a functional sample of the BIOCONSOLE device for an extracorporeal circuit. The application of hinges is also shown in Example 6. Example 5 - Combi module and the possibility of connecting different construction profiles

Hollow structural profiles 202 with a square cross-section are not the only types of profiles used in frame constructions. Construction profiles 306 of the so-called combi type (shortly combi profiles) are very often used. Combi profiles 306 are characterized by having a T shaped groove 307 called T-dovetail in its walls (see cross section if combi profile in FIG. 14B). By using the combi modules 305, the aforementioned common structural profiles 202 can be conveniently connected with the combi profiles 306 in the construction of the frames. The combi module 305 is shown in FIG. 14A, it has a bottom and a top portion, where the bottom portion (approximately *4 to in the direction of the longer edge) is identical to the lower portion of the end module 111 including abutment surfaces fully identical with the abutment surface of the end module 111 comprising an universal fixing protrusion 116 complementary to an universal fixing groove 103 on the sides of the central module 101. A central cavity 112a with a transition cone 112b for a suitable countersunk head fastening means 201 extends through the abutment surface and perpendicularly to it (identically with the terminal module 111). The central cavity 112a opens in the abutment surface through an orifice 117 for the free passage of suitable fastening means 201, through which the combi module is connected to the central module 101. Further, the top portion of the combi module 305 consists of 4 finger-like projections (fingers) extending perpendicularly from the bottom portion, wherein the profile (cross-section) of the fingers is complementary to the grooves 307 in the combi profile 306.

An example of the use of the combi module 305 is shown in FIG. 15. The figure shows a small difference in the length of the edge of the bottom part of the side of the abutment surface of the combi module 305 compared to the end module 111. The combi module 305 has the length of this edge equal to the length of the profile edge and also the length of the edge of the central module 101. This again guarantees a precise and smooth fit between the structural profiles and the connector, i.e. the absence of gaps, jumps or visible transitions at the edges 205. Channels 115 passing through the fingers of the combi module 305 serve (analogously to the end module 111) for optional strengthening of the module structural integrity, it is possible to fill them with a suitable metal bar and thus significantly increase the tensile, shear and torsional strength of the module. Example 6 - Description of the real frames

The previous examples describe the basic properties, structure, design and use of a modular structural connector. The invention has already been successfully tested in real conditions in the construction of several prototypes and functional samples.

The first example is the BIOCONSOLE scaffold (FIG. 17). It is a monitoring and control system used in the operating room in experimental surgery. The supporting frame of the device is designed to suit the given environment and limited spaces. On the frame, electronic components and devices are located, used to monitor parameters of the extracorporeal circuit, such as the control display, units with converters for sensing biophysical parameters and the sensors. The structural profiles are made of aluminium, which is resistant to the method of surface sterilization used in the operating room. Modular construction connectors are made of biocompatible material. Thanks to the construction method, the BIOCONSOLE scaffold can be easily modified even in the operating room. The design and its physical implementation in the activity in the operating room are demonstrated in bottom part of FIG. 17.

The second example is scaffold of a prototype COOILER 2 instrument (see FIGS. 17, 18), which is used for special surgical and laboratory experiments under specific temperature regimens. The device has a core of considerable weight, which must be firmly anchored to the supporting structure so as to maintain the integral robustness of the frame and at the same time the frame serves as a support for the case. Due to the nature of the device, which is a prototype, changes in construction and internal arrangement are expected. Thanks to the use of modular construction connectors according to the invention, modifications can be easily implemented during the development of the device. Upper part of FIG. 17 shows a design model of the prototype scaffold of this device, and details of the actual implementation of this design prototype are demonstrated in FIG. 18.

Industrial

The modular structural connector according to the present invention represents modular system designed for the construction of scaffolds of objects of various shapes and functions, such as supporting frames for instrumentation and devices, laboratory and research systems, and use in other areas such as healthcare, construction, engineering, space applications, design and other can be expected. List of reference numerals

101 central module

102a through channel

102b orifice in a wall of the central module

103 universal fixing groove

111 end module

112a central cavity

112b transition cone

113 orifice for inserting the fixing pin

114 expansion gap

115 optional channel for installation of reinforcement bar

116 universal fixing protrusion

117 orifice for passage of the fastening means

201 fastening means

202 construction profile

203 fixing pin

204 hole in construction profile for inserting the fixing pin

205 fitting edge of the module and the construction profile

301 angle module for connecting the profile at 30° angle

302 angle module for connecting the profile at 45° angle

303 angle module for connecting the profile at 60° angle

304 hinge module

305 combi module for connecting a combi profile to the central module

306 construction profile of combi type

307 dovetail groove of the combi profile

308 tightening wheel

308a recess for a screw head

308b recess for a nut

309 channel for rotary connection of two hinge modules

309a orifice for the passage of the connecting means

309b recess for a nut

310 connecting means for joining the hinge modules

311 nut