Camlock Spacer Assembly for Decorative Screen Panel Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locking mechanisms for decorative screen panels in interconnected structures are inefficient, cumbersome, space-consuming, and often fail to securely fasten panels in place, especially under unforeseen circumstances.

Innovation Solution

A locking and spacing apparatus with a camlock device is used, where a first and second portion of the camlock device are positioned within and under a spacer in the apparatus, rotated perpendicularly to secure the panel, minimizing space usage and ensuring stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional locking mechanisms are used, then the panel can be secured, but the locking mechanism takes up large space and is cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecuring capabilityVSAvoidspace occupied by locking mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is nested within the spacer assembly, where the camlock device is positioned inside the spacer. The spacer serves as both a positioning element and a housing for the locking mechanism, eliminating the need for separate locking components that would occupy additional space on the panel surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the locking function with the spacer assembly by integrating the camlock device into the spacer. The spacer and locking mechanism work as a unified system, where the spacer provides both spacing/positioning and housing for the lock, reducing the overall footprint compared to traditional separate locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If traditional locking mechanisms are used, then the panel can be locked, but the mechanism is cumbersome and requires keys

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking securityVSAvoidoperation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The camlock device is designed to be manually operated by simply rotating the cam handle, eliminating the need for keys or complex locking procedures. The user directly manipulates the locking component through a simple rotational motion, making the system self-serviceable and easy to operate without requiring additional tools or complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the key-operated locking mechanism and replaces it with a direct manual camlock operation. By removing the key cylinder and key dependency, the system simplifies the operation to a straightforward rotational motion of the cam handle, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If traditional locking mechanisms are used, then the panel can be secured, but the mechanism is bulky and difficult to position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecuring capabilityVSAvoidinstallation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking system is segmented into modular components: the spacer assembly and the camlock device. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing and installation, as components can be pre-assembled and then installed as a unit, reducing on-site assembly complexity and making positioning more straightforward.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If traditional locking mechanisms are used, then the panel can be locked, but they fail to securely fasten the panel under unforeseen circumstances

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecuring capabilityVSAvoidpanel position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The camlock device utilizes a cam mechanism with a curved cam surface that converts rotational motion into linear clamping force. The curved geometry of the cam provides mechanical advantage and ensures consistent contact pressure between the panel and the locking surface, maintaining stable positioning even under unexpected external forces or environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 efficiently secures decorative screen panels without occupying much space and maintains their position even under external forces, eliminating the need for traditional perimeter locks.

Implementation Method 1

The first and second portions of the camlock device are rotated to secure the spacer onto the decorative screen panel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS12565778B2Locking apparatus and system

Publication Date: 2026.03.03 BARRETTE OUTDOOR LIVING INC

AI summary

A system includes one or more decorative screen panels configured at an initial position. The system also includes a locking and spacing apparatus positioned on an exterior portion of the one or more decorative screen panels. The spacer is positioned to receive a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is positioned on the locking and spacing apparatus over the one or more decorative screen panels. A first portion of the locking mechanism is positioned within the spacer. A second portion of the locking mechanism is positioned under the locking and spacing apparatus and configured to move in a perpendicular direction. The movement in the perpendicular direction secures the locking mechanism within the locking and spacing apparatus.