Cladding Panel Connector Assembly for Rigid, Coplanar Junctions

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing partition systems face issues of panel unevenness and lack of rigidity due to the absence of vertical metal studs, leading to aesthetic and structural deformations.

Innovation Solution

A method using connectors to locally connect adjacent panels at point support elements, ensuring rigidity and coplanarity by fixing panels to individualized support elements without vertical metal uprights, utilizing connectors with wedging wings and clamping mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If vertical metal uprights are removed to simplify the framework, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but panel rigidity and junction flatness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframework complexityVSAvoidpanel rigidity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the vertical metal uprights from the framework, removing them entirely and replacing their support function with point support elements that have limited functionality. This simplifies the overall structure while maintaining essential panel support capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The framework is segmented into discrete point support elements positioned at specific locations (e.g., mid-height) rather than continuous vertical studs. This segmentation allows for simplified installation while providing localized support where panels are most vulnerable to deformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If vertical metal uprights are removed to reduce costs, then manufacturing and installation costs are reduced, but junction flatness and aesthetic appearance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation costVSAvoidjunction flatness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The point support elements are pre-positioned at critical locations (such as mid-height) before panel installation. This preliminary positioning ensures that panels are supported at the correct heights to maintain junction flatness, eliminating the need for continuous vertical studs while preserving aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If point support elements are used instead of vertical metal uprights, then device complexity is reduced, but panel stability between support zones deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport structure complexityVSAvoidpanel stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The connector acts as an intermediary element between adjacent panels, providing lateral support and stability in the gaps between point support zones. This mediator component ensures that panels remain stable and properly aligned without requiring continuous vertical structural support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3810866B1Method and kit for making a cladding for a structure

Publication Date: 2025.07.30 SAINT GOBAIN ISOVER

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for producing a facing (P) comprising at least one first panel (91) and a second panel (92), each delimited by a front face (91a, 92a) and a rear face (91b, 92b) joined together by a side edge (91c, 92c), said method comprising at least the following steps: a) disposing a first panel (91), b) securing a first part (111) of a connector (100) to the first panel (91) in such a way that a second part (112) of said connector (100) protrudes from the first panel (91), and c) disposing a second panel (92) next to the first panel (91) and securing it to the second part (112) of the connector (100).