Braked Piston Anchoring Device for Safe Panel Uncoupling

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing anchoring systems for cladding panels in shipbuilding and similar applications lack reliability, convenience, and safety, particularly when removing panels, which can fall uncontrolled and require complete detachment for maintenance or access.

Innovation Solution

A tubular anchoring device with a braked piston and elastic lamina, allowing for two-step orthogonal movement for safe uncoupling and repositioning of panels, featuring adjustable braking and flexible wings for secure attachment and detachment without full removal, suitable for various structural orientations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional pressure anchoring devices are used without a brake mechanism, then the device structure is simpler, but the panel falls uncontrolled during removal creating safety hazards

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational safetyVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The brake mechanism is pre-configured within the anchoring device to automatically engage and prevent uncontrolled panel movement during removal. This preliminary safety mechanism is built into the device structure before operation, ensuring safety without requiring additional external safety equipment or complex operational procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If panels are completely detached for maintenance or access, then full access to installations is achieved, but the process is time-consuming and requires complete removal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvenience of useVSAvoidmaintenance time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The anchoring system allows selective detachment of individual panels while leaving others anchored. The brake mechanism enables controlled release of specific panels for maintenance or access without requiring removal of the entire panel assembly, thus segmenting the maintenance process by panel rather than requiring complete system dismantling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The brake mechanism can be dynamically engaged or disengaged to control panel movement. This dynamic control allows operators to secure panels when needed and release them for access when required, providing flexible operation rather than fixed complete attachment or detachment states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If panels are removed vertically without tilting capability, then the removal process is simpler, but uncontrolled uncoupling occurs creating safety risks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing reliabilityVSAvoiduncoupling mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device allows dynamic adjustment of panel orientation during the uncoupling process. The brake mechanism controls the release sequence, enabling operators to tilt panels at controlled angles rather than forcing vertical removal, thus adapting the removal trajectory to maintain safety and control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The brake mechanism is pre-configured to control the uncoupling sequence, allowing operators to prepare for controlled tilting movements before initiating panel removal. This preliminary control mechanism ensures that panels are released in a controlled manner rather than falling uncontrolled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If a brake mechanism is added to prevent free sliding, then operational safety is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational safetyVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The brake mechanism is merged with the existing anchoring device structure rather than being added as a separate external component. This integration combines the braking function with the anchoring and release mechanisms already present in the device, achieving safety enhancement without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The system enables reliable, rapid, and safe anchoring and uncoupling of panels, preventing uncontrolled sliding and allowing for partial detachment, enhancing operational safety and versatility across different applications, including shipbuilding and interior design.

Implementation Method 1

a piston braked, inserted into the tubular body along a longitudinal axis of the body, the brake being suitable for preventing free sliding of the piston within the body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

an elastic lamina is arranged on the body, the lamina being suitable for pushing the body away from the panel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4165256B1Anchoring device and system for panels and similar roofings
Publication Date: 2024.05.01 PROMAT SPA
  • EP4165256B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4165256B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP4165256B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6A

AI summary

Device (D) for reversibly anchoring cladding panels (5) to associated support structures (6), comprising a tubular body (1) whereinto a braked piston (2) is axially inserted, the tubular body (1) having a rear side (11) configured such as to engage with a support structure (6) by means of an elastic surface (41) formed on said rear side (11), and an opposing front emerging end of the piston (2). The piston (2) has an anchoring surface (20) which is configured in such a way that it can be anchored to a cladding panel (5), and is braked by means of plungers (3, 30; 13) arranged and acting on the side (10) where the piston (2) emerges from the body (1). The plungers are arranged in symmetrical positions in relation to the piston (2), and the plungers (3, 30) are adjustable plungers.