Captive Panel Connector Structure for Transient Load Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing panel arrays face challenges in resisting transient loads, particularly when loads move from one panel to another, leading to potential separation and instability.
Innovation Solution
A releasable connection apparatus comprising an upper part, a lower part, and a connection member with a cylindrical wall, stops, and a helical spring, allowing for captive engagement and easy disengagement of panels without losing the connection member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the joint between panels is made wider to spread the load, then the resistance to separation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection apparatus is divided into distinct upper and lower parts with a separate connection member, allowing the load-spreading function to be achieved through modular components rather than a monolithic wide joint. The cylindrical wall and stops create segmented engagement zones that distribute forces effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection member is nested within the cylindrical wall of the upper part and engages with the lower part, creating a compact hierarchical structure. This nesting allows the load-spreading mechanism to be achieved within a confined space without increasing overall joint complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a releasable connection system is implemented, then the ease of operation improves, but the reliability decreases due to potential loss of connection members
Solution Approach 1:
The cylindrical wall acts as an intermediary structure that retains the connection member during operation. The stops within the cylindrical wall create engagement points that prevent the connection member from being lost when panels are disconnected, while still allowing easy assembly and disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The cylindrical wall and stops are pre-configured to automatically retain the connection member during assembly and disassembly operations. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures that the connection member cannot be lost regardless of operator action, maintaining reliability while preserving ease of operation.
3Reliability
If multiple stops with abutment surfaces are provided, then the reliability of connection improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cylindrical wall serves multiple functions: it provides structural containment, houses the stops, defines the connection member path, and works with the abutment surfaces to create reliable engagement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, maintaining reliability while controlling complexity.
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 apparatus effectively increases the resistance to separation of conjoined panels under transient loads, ensuring stability and preventing loss of connection members during disassembly or storage.
Implementation Method 1
a helical spring, allowing for captive engagement and easy disengagement of panels without losing the connection member
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus or a kit of parts are disclosed for releasably connecting panels together, the apparatus comprising an upper part, a lower part and a connection member. The upper part has an upper surface and two side walls arranged substantially in parallel with one another and each substantially perpendicularly from the upper surface, and wherein the upper surface has a substantially circular aperture formed within it, and a substantially cylindrical wall extends downwards from the circular aperture substantially parallel to the two side walls, and wherein at least one stop is arranged within the cylindrical wall, the stop having an abutment surface for engagement with an abutment surface of a connection member. The lower part comprises a connection member engagement surface having an opening adapted to allow a lower end of the connection member to pass through the opening when the connection member is in a particular rotational orientation and to engage with the lower end of the connection member when the connection member is in another particular rotational orientation. The connection member comprises a substantially cylindrical shaft having a main shaft portion, an upper end and a lower end, and wherein the upper end is of larger diameter than the main shaft portion, and wherein the lower end is of the same diameter as the main shaft and comprises at least one wing portion, the wing portion extending radially from the lower end of the shaft and having an abutment surface for engagement with an abutment surface of a stop of the upper part, and wherein the connection member comprises a helical spring wound around the shaft, the spring being held in place by the upper end of the connection member and the or each wing portion.