Coupling Unit for Panels with Adjustable Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling systems for panels are complex, costly, and inefficient, requiring removal of multiple panels when substituting one, and are not adaptable to different panel thicknesses or shapes, affecting aesthetic and functional outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A coupling unit comprising a base body with adjustable retention bodies and adjustment elements that allow independent fixing of panels, enabling easy substitution of individual panels without affecting adjacent ones, and accommodating various panel thicknesses and shapes without complex processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple T-shaped plates are used to retain adjacent panels, then the panels are securely fixed to the under-structure, but it becomes impossible to remove a single panel without removing adjacent panels
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into separate coupling elements, each independently retaining a single panel. Each coupling element has a stem fixed to the under-structure and a lateral wing that engages only one panel, allowing individual panel removal while maintaining secure fixation of all panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention function is extracted from a shared multi-panel coupling mechanism and assigned to individual single-panel coupling elements. This allows each panel to be independently retained and removed without affecting adjacent panels, while still providing secure fixation through the distributed coupling elements.
2Device complexity
If T-shaped plates with fixed stem length are used, then the coupling structure is simple, but the system cannot accommodate panels of different thicknesses or groove positions
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element incorporates adjustable components that allow the lateral wing to be positioned at different distances from the under-structure. This dynamic adjustability enables the same coupling element design to accommodate panels of various thicknesses and groove positions while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows adjustment of key geometric parameters of the coupling element, specifically the distance between the stem and lateral wing, to match different panel configurations. This parameter adjustment capability provides versatility for different panel types without requiring completely different coupling designs.
3Ease of operation
If screws or nails are used to fix panels, then panels can be easily removed, but the panels are subjected to greater stresses and visible fasteners deteriorate aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 1:
A lateral wing acts as an intermediary element between the panel and the under-structure, providing a distributed contact interface that reduces stress concentration. The lateral wing engages with the panel's longitudinal groove, distributing loads along the groove rather than concentrating them at discrete fastener points, while remaining hidden from view.
Solution Approach 2:
The discrete fastener system (screws or nails) is replaced with a continuous engagement system where the lateral wing interfaces with the panel's longitudinal groove. This substitution eliminates visible fasteners and reduces stress concentrations while maintaining ease of panel removal through the engagement mechanism.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Coupling unit (1) for panels, which comprises a base body (9) intended to be fixed to a support structure (8); at least two retention bodies (13), which are fixed to the base body (9) and each comprise a stem portion (14) and an engagement portion (19), which is projectingly extended only from a face (17) of the stem portion (14) and is configured for being inserted in the longitudinal groove (6) of the panel (2) arranged on the corresponding side of the coupling unit (1); at least one adjustment element (21), which is inserted in a through hole (20) of the retention body (13) and is configured for rigidly fixing the retention body (13) to the base body (9) in an adjustable manner.