Cladding Panel Alignment Bracket with Pin-Hole Constraint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for aligning and joining cladding panels above each other on a wall face challenges in achieving perfect alignment, uniform spacing, and concealed fixing, particularly when multiple panels are involved, leading to difficulties in positioning and ensuring coplanarity without visible alignment elements.
Innovation Solution
The system employs an alignment and joining unit comprising a base or plate with protruding pins and holes, where each panel is fixed with screws, allowing the pins of one panel to insert into the holes of the adjacent panel, creating a stable constraint that maintains alignment and uniform spacing, while being concealed from view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If spacers are used at the rear of panels to achieve alignment, then uniform distance from the wall is obtained, but the alignment of superimposed panels becomes difficult and visible alignment elements are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the alignment function and the suspension function into a single integrated device. The L-shaped bracket includes both the suspension element for attaching to the wall and the alignment element (first protrusion) that engages with the second protrusion on the panel, eliminating the need for separate spacers and visible alignment elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The L-shaped bracket serves multiple functions simultaneously: it suspends the panel from the wall, aligns the panel at the correct distance from the wall, and connects superimposed panels through the engagement of protrusions. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple panel-bracket devices are used per panel to keep it integral with the wall, then stability is improved, but correct positioning and alignment of superimposed panels becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the suspension and alignment functions into a single L-shaped bracket device. The bracket's first protrusion engages with the second protrusion on the panel to provide both suspension and alignment simultaneously, making positioning easier while maintaining stability through the integrated design.
3Manufacturing precision
If a strip is embedded in grooves to constrain superimposed panels, then alignment between panels is improved, but visible fixing elements are required and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the constraint function with the suspension bracket. The L-shaped bracket's geometry and the engagement between first and second protrusions provide the constraint mechanism, eliminating the need for separate embedded strips and grooves while keeping fixing elements concealed.
4Manufacturing precision
If alignment elements are made visible to ensure correct placement, then alignment precision is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to visible fixing elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the alignment function into the suspension bracket itself, which is already concealed behind the panel. The alignment between superimposed panels is achieved through the engagement of protrusions that are not visible from the front, maintaining aesthetic appearance while ensuring precise alignment.
Data Source
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AI summary
An alignment and joining system for cladding panels hung to a wall of the type wherein a plurality of panels (11,12) are hung above each other on a supporting wall (13) by means of suspension devices (14) so that horizontal edges of the panels (11,12) are opposingly abutted against each other, at least one alignment and joining unit (22,122) composed of at least one base (23,123,223) for each panel (11, 12), cooperates in combination with the suspension devices (14), wherein at least one hole (25,125) and one pin (26,126) extending from the side, are present on a side of each base (23,123,223), the base (23,123,223) being fixed to each panel in correspondence with the horizontal edges so that at least one pin (26,126) of a base (23,123,223) of a panel (11,12) is inserted in the at least one hole (25,125) of the base (23,123,223) of the opposite panel (12,11) and viceversa.