Construction Element With Folding Lip Fixing Mechanism

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing construction elements with movable outer layers tend to unintentionally collapse from the extended position to the collapsed position, posing challenges in maintaining stability, especially when used as wall elements that require identical positions for connection.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating fixing means, such as folding lips, into the intermediate layer that can be extended or folded to securely fix the element in either position, preventing unintentional collapse and allowing for variable thickness adjustments, thus enabling efficient collapse and extension without separate fixing components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the construction element is designed without fixing means, then the structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but the element cannot maintain its position and collapses unintentionally

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition stabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing means are integrated into the intermediate layer itself, merging the support function with the structural layer. The intermediate layer contains folding lips that can extend to engage with the outer layers and fix the construction element in the extended position, eliminating the need for separate fixing components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The folding lips are designed to be movable between a retracted position (when the element is collapsing) and an extended position (when the element is extended). This dynamic behavior allows the fixing means to engage only when needed, providing stability in the extended position while allowing controlled collapse when the lips are retracted.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If separate fixing means are added to prevent collapse, then position stability is improved, but the device complexity and transport costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition stabilityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing means are integrated into the intermediate layer itself, merging the support function with the structural layer. The intermediate layer contains folding lips that can extend to engage with the outer layers and fix the construction element in the extended position, eliminating the need for separate fixing components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If the construction element is kept in extended position for use, then the functional performance is improved, but the storage and transport efficiency deteriorates due to increased space occupation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional performanceVSAvoidstorage space

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The folding lips are designed to be movable between a retracted position (when the element is collapsing) and an extended position (when the element is extended). This dynamic behavior allows the fixing means to engage only when needed, providing stability in the extended position while allowing controlled collapse when the lips are retracted.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution ensures the construction element remains stable in desired positions, facilitating efficient use, storage, and transportation by preventing unintentional collapse, while allowing for flexible thickness adjustments and reducing the need for additional fixing components, thereby saving costs and environmental impact.

Implementation Method 1

the intermediate layer comprises fixing means for fixing the element in the collapsed position or the extended position or in a position therebetween, wherein the fixing means comprise at least one folding lip, and wherein said lip can be folded out, when the element is in the extended position, to fix the element in the extended position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

said lip can be folded in for collapsing the element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFolding: Folding

Data Source

PatentEP2470730B1Construction element

Publication Date: 2014.12.03 UNDA MARIS HLDG

Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B

AI summary

A construction element, in particular a wall element, comprising two outer layers extending at least substantially parallel to each other and an intermediate layer connected thereto, which element can be moved between a collapsed position, in which the outer layers face each other, and an extended position, in which the outer layers are spaced from each other, and which intermediate layer comprises first parts, which are connected to a respective outer layer, as well as second parts, which extend between said first parts, wherein the intermediate layer comprises fixing means for fixing the element in the collapsed position or the extended position or in a position therebetween.