Coupling Element for Building Panel Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building panel assembly systems lack flexibility, are time-consuming to assemble, and require uniquely designed elements for specific systems, limiting their cost-effectiveness and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A coupling element with a primary and secondary coupling portion that allows for displacement along different axes, enabling the assembly of building panels with identical designs, accommodating thermal expansion, and allowing for flexible orientation without damaging the panels, while minimizing wall thickness and optimizing space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If uniquely designed fastening rails and mounting devices are used for each system, then the system provides specialized functionality, but the assembly becomes time-consuming and less flexible
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element is designed with universal functionality to work with different panel types and orientations. The element includes multiple coupling portions (first and second coupling portions) that can engage with panels in various configurations, eliminating the need for system-specific unique components and reducing assembly time through standardized interfaces
2Reliability
If uniquely designed fastening rails and mounting devices are used for each system, then the system provides specialized functionality, but the system loses flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element is designed with universal functionality to work with different panel types and orientations. The element includes multiple coupling portions (first and second coupling portions) that can engage with panels in various configurations, eliminating the need for system-specific unique components and reducing assembly time through standardized interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element incorporates movable or adjustable features that allow it to adapt to different panel arrangements. The element can be positioned and oriented in different configurations depending on the panel layout requirements, providing dynamic adaptability while maintaining reliable connection
3Ease of operation
If building panels are assembled in fixed orientations, then the assembly process is simplified, but the ability to accommodate thermal expansion is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element incorporates movable or adjustable features that allow it to adapt to different panel arrangements. The element can be positioned and oriented in different configurations depending on the panel layout requirements, providing dynamic adaptability while maintaining reliable connection
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element is designed to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction of building panels. The element includes flexible or movable features that allow panels to expand and contract without compromising the structural integrity or causing damage, while still maintaining the panel connection
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different coupling elements are used for different panel orientations, then each orientation is optimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element is designed with universal functionality to work with different panel types and orientations. The element includes multiple coupling portions (first and second coupling portions) that can engage with panels in various configurations, eliminating the need for system-specific unique components and reducing assembly time through standardized interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element is divided into multiple functional portions (first coupling portion and second coupling portion) that can independently engage with different panels. This segmentation allows a single element to perform multiple functions across different orientations without increasing overall complexity, as each portion handles a specific engagement task
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 coupling element facilitates quick and cost-effective assembly of building panels, allowing for thermal expansion, self-supporting walls, and the use of identical panels in various orientations, reducing assembly time and material costs while maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
This configuration brings about the advantage that expansion and/or contraction of the panels may be accommodated, e.g. due to moisture or thermal expansion.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
In one aspect, there is provided a coupling element 1 configured for assembling a first building panel 10 and a second building panel 20. The coupling element 1 comprising: a primary coupling portion extending along a primary axis Z1 and being configured to engage with a parallel first edge 11 of the first building panel 10 for locking displacement of the coupling element 1 along a tertiary axis Y1 and preferably a secondary axis X1 being orthogonal the primary axis Z1; and a secondary coupling portion extending in a direction along the tertiary axis X1 and being configured to engage with a second edge 22 of the second building panel 20.