Concealed Batten Fixing Clip for Tool-Free Thermal Movement Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing batten fixing systems are aesthetically unpleasing, difficult to install, and fail to accommodate thermal movement, leading to potential safety hazards due to visible fasteners and inability to handle batten expansion and contraction.
Innovation Solution
A batten fixing clip system comprising a male and female connector with a resilient clip that securely attaches battens to a support structure, allowing for tool-free installation and hiding the fixing mechanism, while accommodating thermal movement through engineering tolerances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws or stirrup-type clasps are used to fix battens to the wall or ceiling surface, then the battens can be securely mounted, but the fixing system becomes visible and detracts from the aesthetics of the overall batten-cladded wall or ceiling
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing mechanism is extracted and concealed within the batten profile itself. The clip is received inside a groove or channel of the batten, making the fixing system invisible from the front view while maintaining secure mounting functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip acts as an intermediary component that connects the batten to the support structure while being hidden within the batten's groove. This mediator element enables secure fixation without compromising the aesthetic appearance of the visible surfaces.
2Strength
If rigid fastening systems are used to mount battens to the support surface, then strong mechanical connection is achieved, but the system cannot accommodate thermal movement (contraction or expansion) of the battens with temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The clip is designed with resilient or flexible properties that allow it to dynamically adjust to thermal expansion and contraction of the batten. The clip can deform elastically within certain limits, maintaining mechanical connection while accommodating dimensional changes due to temperature variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical properties of the clip (such as its rigidity or flexibility) are optimized to allow controlled deformation under thermal stress. The clip's material or structural parameters are selected to provide both sufficient holding strength and adequate compliance for thermal movement.
3Reliability
If traditional fixing systems requiring mallets or force fixing tools are used, then secure installation is achieved, but the installation process becomes difficult and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The clip is designed to be self-installing through a simple insertion or snap-in mechanism. The resilient nature of the clip allows it to automatically engage with the batten and support structure without requiring external forcing tools, making the installation process straightforward and tool-free.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic, flexible properties of the clip enable easy installation through simple insertion movements. The clip's ability to deform during insertion and then spring back into its fixed position allows for quick, tool-free installation while ensuring secure mounting.
4Reliability
If visible fasteners are used to attach battens to the support surface, then reliable fixation is achieved, but the aesthetic appearance of the batten-cladded wall or ceiling is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing component is extracted from the visible exterior and placed inside the batten's groove or channel. The clip remains concealed within the batten profile, providing reliable fixation while keeping the visual appearance clean and uninterrupted.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip is nested within the groove or channel of the batten, similar to a nested doll structure. This nesting arrangement allows the fixing mechanism to be housed inside the batten itself, eliminating visible fasteners while maintaining secure attachment.
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 clip system enables quick, tool-free installation of battens, improves aesthetics by hiding the fixing mechanism, and reduces the risk of mechanical failure by accommodating thermal expansion and contraction, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of batten mounting.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient clip comprising an aperture, wherein the aperture receives at least part of the female connector interface portion and the clip biases the female connector interface portion against the retainer when in use
Data Source
AI summary
A batten fixing clip, comprising: a male connector comprising a batten interface portion for attachment to a batten, and a female connector interface portion for engaging a female connector; and a female connector comprising a support structure interface portion for attaching to a support structure and a male connector interface portion for engaging the male connector, the male connector interface portion including a retainer and a resilient clip comprising of an aperture, wherein the aperture receives at least part of the female connector interface portion and the clip biases the female connector interface portion against the retainer when in use.