Corner-Interlock Panel Structure for Tool-Free Modular Assembly

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional modular surfaces are limited by panel size and shape, requiring tools for installation and removal, and lack customizability.

Innovation Solution

Panels with identical interlock members at their corners that engage with one another, allowing tool-free assembly and increased customizability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional joining methods are used for modular panels, then connection strength is achieved, but installation time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The panel corners are segmented into distinct interlock members with protrusions and recesses that can independently engage with adjacent panels. This segmentation allows for modular, tool-free assembly where each corner can be connected separately, dramatically reducing installation time and complexity while maintaining connection strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The interlock members are designed to self-align and self-engage through their geometric protrusion-recess configuration. The panels guide themselves into proper alignment during assembly without requiring external tools or complex fastening procedures, making installation simple and rapid.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If traditional joining methods are used for modular panels, then connection strength is achieved, but tool requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidtool requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The design extracts the need for external joining tools and materials by incorporating all necessary connection features directly into the panel structure itself. The interlock members contain everything needed for connection within the panel geometry, eliminating the need for separate fasteners, adhesives, or specialized installation tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If fixed panel sizes and shapes are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but design flexibility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecustomizabilityVSAvoidpanel standardization

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The panel system is segmented into standardized corner units with interlock members that can be combined in various configurations. This allows different panel sizes and shapes to be created from the same basic building blocks, providing design flexibility without complicating the manufacturing of individual panel components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The interlock members are designed with universal geometry that works with any panel configuration. The same corner design can be used on panels of different sizes and shapes, allowing a single standardized component to serve multiple functions across various panel arrangements, thus maintaining manufacturing simplicity while enabling customization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250361898A1Interlock panel for modular surface

Publication Date: 2025.11.27 SIDDIKOVA OKSANA

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a panel including a front surface, a rear surface opposite the front surface, a side surface extending between the front surface and the rear surface, and a plurality of interlock members, each of the interlock members provided at a respective corner of the panel, each of the interlock members being identical to one another.