Acoustic Panel Wall Mounting Using Touch Fastening and Helix Anchor

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Mounting acoustic panels on walls requires precision and can be time-consuming, often necessitating additional tools and marking methods that complicate the alignment and attachment process.

Innovation Solution

A mounting system featuring a rigid fastening plate with first touch fastening features and a panel anchor with second touch fastening features, including a helix with varying thread pitch and a hook fastening patch, allowing for flexible alignment and secure attachment of acoustic panels to walls without the need for precise tools or markings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional mounting methods are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but mounting time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting speedVSAvoidmounting system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple fastening mechanisms into a single integrated mounting system. The snap-fit anchors with expansion elements are integrated directly into the acoustic panel backing, eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets or complex hardware assemblies. This merging of functions allows quick installation while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system performs preliminary action by pre-installing the snap-fit anchors with expansion elements into the acoustic panel backing during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site drilling, anchoring, and complex fastening operations, significantly reducing mounting time and complexity while ensuring secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If precise alignment tools and marking methods are used, then accurate panel placement is achieved, but installation time and difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepanel alignment precisionVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system employs self-service alignment features where the snap-fit anchors and expansion elements are designed to self-align and self-position during installation. The geometric configuration of the anchors automatically guides the panel into correct placement without requiring external marking tools, alignment devices, or complex measurement procedures, thus achieving precise alignment quickly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Strength

If multiple fastening points are used, then connection strength is improved, but installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system segments the fastening function into multiple independent snap-fit anchors distributed across the panel backing. Each anchor contains an expansion element that independently secures to the mounting surface. This segmentation provides multiple fastening points for strong connection while keeping each individual anchor simple and easy to install, maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables quick and flexible mounting of acoustic panels on various surfaces, including wood, drywall, and concrete, providing a strong connection even when only a portion of the fastening elements are engaged, thus simplifying the installation process and accommodating different panel sizes and weights.

Implementation Method 1

The anchor defines a tool receptacle configured to receive a tool for twisting the helix into a panel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew thread mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

The field of first touch fastening features is engageable with the field of second touch fastening features to form a connection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical interlocking: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP3830354B1Acoustic panel wall mounting
Publication Date: 2023.10.18 VELCRO IP HOLDINGS LLC
  • EP3830354B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3830354B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~3
  • EP3830354B1 patent drawingFigure 2B~2C

AI summary

An acoustic panel wall mounting system (10) including a rigid fastening plate (14) and a panel anchor (16). The rigid fastening plate (14) carries a field of first touch fastening features (18) and defines an aperture (60) for receiving a mechanical fastener (30) to secure the fastening plate (14) against a wall (13) with the field of first touch fastening features (18) exposed. The panel anchor (16) has a helix (22) extending from a rigid surface flange (24) that carries a field of second touch fastening features (20) on a surface opposite the helix (22). The anchor (16) defines a tool receptacle (50) used for twisting the helix (22) into a panel (12). The field of first touch fastening features (18) is engageable with the field of second touch fastening features (20) to form a connection when brought into engagement as the panel (12) is placed against the wall (13) to contact the fastening plate (14) with the panel anchor (16).