coupler

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing partition mounting systems often result in sag or gaps between curtains and abutting surfaces, causing ineffective installation and potential damage to walls and ceilings, especially when using rudimentary techniques like nailing or adhesives.

Innovation Solution

A coupler system with adjustable elongated heads and channels that allow sliding movement and locking mechanisms, combined with a universal joint for pole support, to eliminate sag and gaps without damaging surfaces, using retention tabs and a locking mechanism for secure positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single elongated head is used to eliminate sag in the partition system, then the installation is simple, but the sag elimination is insufficient for longer spans

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of headsVSAvoidsag elimination effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The partition system divides the single elongated head into multiple segments (first elongated head and second elongated head) that can be coupled together. This segmentation allows the system to cover longer spans and provide better sag elimination while maintaining manageable complexity through modular assembly using the coupler device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If multiple poles and elongated heads are used to eliminate all sag, then the sag elimination is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesag elimination effectivenessVSAvoidnumber of poles and heads

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupler device merges multiple elongated heads and poles into a unified assembly. By providing a common coupling structure that accepts multiple heads and poles, the system reduces overall complexity compared to having separate mounting structures for each component, while achieving comprehensive sag elimination across the entire partition span.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the pole supports two elongated bodies at the coupler, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coupler device is designed with universal mounting features that can accommodate multiple configurations - supporting one or two elongated heads, working with single or multiple poles. This multi-functionality allows the same device to provide structural stability in various arrangements while maintaining ease of installation through standardized interfaces and assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3325738B1coupler

Publication Date: 2022.05.04 ZIPWALL LLC

Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C

AI summary

A coupler comprises a first channel having a first axis of extension in a first horizontal direction and a second channel having a second axis of extension in the first horizontal direction. The second axis of extension is parallel to and spaced apart from the first axis of extension in a second horizontal direction. The second axis of extension has a pitch angle relative to the first axis of extension in a vertical direction, the pitch angle being less than 180 degrees. The first and second channels each include head-mounting features, the head-mounting features constructed and arranged to retain an elongated head to the coupler while permitting movement of the elongated head relative to the coupler in the first horizontal direction.