Demountable Wall System Using H-Shaped Framing Slots

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing demountable wall systems require complex assembly and disassembly, are costly due to custom manufacturing, and lack the aesthetic appeal of permanent walls, while also appearing temporary.

Innovation Solution

A demountable wall system utilizing a minimal number of standard H-shaped framing members with slots for easy panel insertion, a structural grid assembly for stability, and a panel trim assembly for aesthetic enhancement, allowing for easy reconfiguration without ceiling or floor attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If demountable wall systems use multiple custom components for assembly, then the wall can be arranged flexibly, but the assembly complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearrangement flexibilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wall system is divided into modular panel units that can be independently assembled and disassembled. Each panel is a self-contained module with standardized connection points, allowing flexible arrangement without requiring complex custom components for each configuration change.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The framing members are designed with universal slots that can accommodate multiple panel types and configurations. The same H-shaped framing member with standardized slots serves multiple functions: providing structural support, enabling panel attachment, and facilitating easy disassembly and reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If demountable wall systems use numerous fastening parts, then the wall can be securely assembled, but the assembly time and disassembly effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly securityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple fastening functions are merged into the slot-based connection system. The slots in the H-shaped framing members provide both structural alignment and secure attachment in a single integrated feature, eliminating the need for numerous separate fasteners and reducing assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The panel and framing member connection system is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing through the slot geometry. The slots automatically guide panel insertion and provide inherent retention, reducing the need for manual fastening operations and specialized assembly tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If demountable wall systems are custom manufactured, then the wall can fit the desired space precisely, but the cost increases and utility for relocation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace fit precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses standardized panel dimensions and slot spacings that can be adjusted by changing only the panel width parameter while maintaining the same framing member design. This allows precise fitting to different space requirements using the same standardized components, eliminating custom manufacturing while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of operation

If demountable wall systems are designed for easy disassembly, then the wall can be relocated, but the appearance may appear temporary rather than permanent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisassembly easeVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The demountable wall system replicates the appearance of permanent built-in walls through careful design of the panel surfaces, framing member profiles, and connection details. The slots and joints are designed to be visually concealed or integrated, creating the aesthetic of a permanent installation while maintaining the functionality of a demountable system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS10738466B1Demountable wall system
Publication Date: 2020.08.11 BOYCE PRODS
  • US10738466B1 patent drawing
  • US10738466B1 patent drawing
  • US10738466B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A demountable wall system. The system includes a plurality of framing members including a horizontal lower framing member having upper and lower slots, a horizontal upper framing member having upper and lower slots, and vertical framing members having opposed side slots. At least one vertical rectangular panel has a lower edge inserted into the upper slot of the lower member, an upper edge inserted into the lower slot of the upper member, and side edges inserted into facing slots of the side members. A mounting member has opposed sides, an upper edge and a lower edge, the upper edge being fitted into the lower slot of the lower member. Finally, a panel trim assembly comprising a panel trim may be installed onto each edge of the vertical rectangular panel.