Building Surface Panel Clips Without Panel-Penetrating Fasteners

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mechanisms for attaching building surface panels to a support structure limit panel configurations, restricting versatility and flexibility in building designs.

Innovation Solution

A building surface panel kit that includes a first connector clip with an attachment platform and a first building surface panel, featuring a groove and tongue configuration for interlocking, and a retaining fastener for secure attachment to the support structure, allowing for various panel types and designs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fasteners extending through panels are used to secure building surface panels to a support structure, then the panels can be securely held in place, but the panel configuration is limited and versatility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure attachmentVSAvoidpanel configuration flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is divided into separate components: a support structure with attachment surfaces and a panel with engagement features. The panel is segmented to include specific grooves and protrusions that interface with the support structure, allowing secure attachment while maintaining design flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The panel incorporates localized engagement features (grooves and protrusions) at specific locations rather than requiring fasteners across the entire panel. This local quality approach allows the majority of the panel surface to maintain its original design while providing secure attachment points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional fastening mechanisms are used, then panels can be attached to the support structure, but the system complexity increases and design flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment process simplicityVSAvoidfastening system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment functionality is merged directly into the panel structure through integrated grooves and protrusions, eliminating the need for separate fastening mechanisms. This combining of attachment features with the panel itself simplifies the overall system while maintaining ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The panel's own structural features (grooves and protrusions) serve the dual purpose of maintaining panel integrity and providing attachment to the support structure. The panel attaches itself to the support structure through its designed engagement features without requiring additional fastening components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12421730B2Attachment clip for building surface panels and building surface panel system

Publication Date: 2025.09.23 CERTAINTEED LLC

AI summary

The present disclosure relates generally to building surface panel systems, for example, suitable for covering a building surface. The present disclosure relates more particularly to a building surface panel kit for attachment to a support structure. The building surface panel kit includes a clip configured to secure the building surface panel system to the support structure. The kit also includes a first building surface panel having first and second ends, a front face, and a rear face.