Bowtie Connector for Modular Building Panel Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular building systems require significant time and cost due to the complexity of previous methods, panels, and connector members, necessitating an improved system for efficient and cost-effective construction.
Innovation Solution
The system comprises building panel members with elongated slots and bowtie-shaped connector members that slidably fit together, allowing for quick and secure assembly of various structures, with panels featuring a foam middle layer for strength and insulation, and connectors made from materials like stainless steel, ceramic, or plastic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional connector members and panels are used, then the building structure achieves sufficient strength and stability, but the assembly process requires significant time, specialized tools, and incurs substantial cost
Solution Approach 1:
The connector member is segmented into distinct functional zones: an enlarged head portion for insertion and engagement, a reduced middle section for sliding through slots, and enlarged end portions for final locking. This segmentation allows the single connector to perform multiple operations (insertion, sliding, locking) without requiring specialized tools or complex mechanisms, thereby improving assembly productivity while maintaining manageable device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The connector member employs a dynamic geometry that changes along its length (enlarged head, reduced middle, enlarged ends) to create a progressive engagement sequence. The varying cross-sectional dimensions enable the connector to transition smoothly through different stages of assembly (insertion → sliding → locking) without requiring external force application tools, resolving the contradiction between assembly speed and connector complexity
2Strength
If modular building systems use simple connector designs, then the assembly process becomes faster and less costly, but the strength and secure connection of the structure is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connector's segmented design with enlarged head and end portions provides multiple engagement surfaces that distribute mechanical loads across different regions. The head portion engages with panel features while the end portions lock into slot recesses, creating a multi-point connection system that achieves high connection strength through the geometry of simple, tool-free components
Solution Approach 2:
The connector member features asymmetric geometry with different cross-sectional dimensions at various locations (enlarged head, reduced middle, enlarged ends). This asymmetric design enables the connector to achieve secure multi-directional locking without requiring symmetric fastening operations or complex machining, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while ensuring strong connections
3Reliability
If specialized tools and methods are used for assembly, then the connection reliability and structural integrity are ensured, but the time and cost of construction increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The connector member is designed to perform its own installation functions through its inherent geometry. The enlarged head enables self-insertion, the reduced middle section enables self-sliding through slots, and the enlarged end portions enable self-locking. This self-service capability ensures reliable connections through built-in mechanical features rather than external tooling, dramatically reducing assembly time while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The connector's geometry is pre-configured with enlarged portions at strategic locations to perform engagement and locking actions automatically during insertion. The preliminary design of the varying cross-sectional dimensions ensures that as the connector is inserted into the slot, the enlarged portions automatically engage with panel features and lock into place, ensuring reliable connections through pre-planned mechanical actions that eliminate the need for post-installation tooling or adjustment
Data Source
AI summary
A building system including a plurality of building panel members having elongated slots upon a top surface and four side surfaces thereof, and a plurality connector members having a bowtie cross-sectional shape and adapted to slidably and snugly fit within the elongated slots to thereby releasably connect the plurality of building panel members together to form a variety of structures.