Add-on Wall Panel with Friction Retainers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wall systems with clear transparent panels lack individual control over lighting and balance between privacy and visual communication, and do not offer easy customization or flexibility in panel arrangements to meet changing user needs.
Innovation Solution
A removably and reversibly mounted add-on wall panel arrangement with flexible resilient retainers that frictionally engage the vertical frame members of a wall system, allowing for selective placement and easy installation or removal over existing panels, providing control over visual communication and customization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If clear transparent panels are used in wall systems, then light transmission and visual communication are improved, but individual control over lighting and privacy are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The wall system is segmented into modular panels that can be independently added or removed. Each panel is a self-contained unit with mounting structure, allowing individual control over which areas have transparency and which have privacy, enabling users to customize lighting and visual communication needs for different zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall system transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. Panels can be easily added or removed by users based on changing needs, allowing the wall to adapt its transparency and privacy characteristics over time rather than being static.
2Stability of the object's composition
If dedicated panels are installed in wall systems, then structural stability is improved, but ease of customization and reconfiguration are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The wall system divides the wall into multiple independent panel units, each with its own mounting structure. This segmentation allows individual panels to be added, removed, or repositioned without affecting the overall structural integrity of the wall system, enabling easy customization while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure is pre-integrated into each panel during manufacturing, with resilient retainers and engagement features prepared in advance. This preliminary preparation allows panels to be quickly installed or removed by simple engagement actions without requiring complex assembly procedures or tools.
3Productivity
If existing wall systems are used, then initial installation efficiency is improved, but flexibility to address changing user needs is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The wall system evolves from a static, fixed installation to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. The modular panel design with integrated mounting structures enables users to easily modify the wall configuration as needs change, while the standardized mounting interface maintains efficient installation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure is designed with universal applicability, featuring resilient retainers and engagement features that work consistently across all panels. This universality allows the same mounting mechanism to serve both the initial efficient installation and subsequent flexible reconfigurations, eliminating the need for different installation methods.
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 users to control lighting and balance privacy and visual communication by allowing flexible placement and removal of the add-on panels, addressing the limitations of existing systems with clear transparent panels.
Implementation Method 1
flexible resilient retainers extending outwardly relative to the side structure, and adapted to frictionally engage the inwardly facing flat walls of the vertical frame members, and hold the wall panel assembly over the existing panel and between the vertical frame members
Data Source
AI summary
A wall panel arrangement is adapted to be used in a wall panel system provided with at least one pair of spaced apart vertical frame members having inwardly facing sidewalls for retaining at least one existing panel therebetween. The wall panel arrangement includes an add-on wall panel assembly constructed with opposed face structure connected to opposed side structure, and adapted to cover at least a portion of the existing panel. Mounting structure is provided on the wall panel assembly, and is configured with flexible resilient retainers extending outwardly relative to the side structure, and adapted to frictionally engage the inwardly facing flat walls of the vertical frame members, and hold the wall panel assembly over the existing panel and between the vertical frame members.