Adjustable Lock for Building Surface Panel
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional building surface panels can only be installed in a single configuration, limiting aesthetic and design options for builders and customers.
Innovation Solution
A building surface panel design featuring a lock at one edge and a catch with multiple recesses at the other edge, allowing the lock to be secured in various positions, enabling selectable interconnection and multiple installation configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional building surface panels use a fixed lock-and-butt interconnection design, then strong structural integrity is achieved, but aesthetic versatility and design options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The catch is designed with multiple recesses at different positions along its length, allowing the lock to be secured at various locations. This dynamic positioning capability enables the same panel type to create different aesthetic patterns (such as board and batten or horizontal abutting styles) without requiring multiple panel designs, thus improving adaptability while controlling complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The catch is segmented into multiple recesses rather than being a single fixed receptacle. This segmentation allows the lock to engage at different positions, providing aesthetic versatility. The segmentation divides the catch into functional zones that can accommodate different installation configurations while maintaining structural integrity
2Adaptability or versatility
If building surface panels use a single fixed installation configuration, then manufacturing and installation simplicity is maintained, but design flexibility and aesthetic options are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The catch design with multiple recesses serves multiple functions: it maintains structural integrity like a traditional catch while simultaneously providing multiple installation configurations. This multi-functionality allows a single panel type to achieve various aesthetic styles (board and batten, horizontal abutting, etc.), enhancing design flexibility without requiring different panel designs for each style
Solution Approach 2:
The ability to select different recess positions introduces flexibility to the installation process. Installers can choose which recess to use based on the desired aesthetic outcome, allowing adaptation to different design requirements while using the same panel type, thus improving design flexibility while maintaining reasonable installation simplicity
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates generally to building surface panels, for example, polymer siding suitable for covering the exterior surface of a building. The present disclosure relates more particularly to a building surface panel including an elongate panel body having a length, a width, a front face, a rear face, a first edge, a second edge, a first end, and a second end. A lock is disposed at the second edge of the panel body and a catch disposed at the first edge of the panel body. The catch is configured to receive a corresponding lock of a neighboring building surface panel having a similar construction, where the catch includes a plurality of recesses. Each recess is configured to hold the corresponding lock in a respective position such that the catch is configured to secure the lock in any of a plurality of selectable positions.