Dovetail Panel Clamping Assembly for Wind Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Extruded modular panel units for constructing walls, ceilings, and roofs are prone to collapse under forces like wind due to the disengagement of adjacently connected panels, as the existing clamping means fail to securely hold the panels together.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves a retaining member with planar surfaces supporting first flanges and a clamping member with legs that engage the panel flanges, forming a dovetail joint to prevent lateral separation, along with additional flanges that interlock to secure the assembly against forces trying to spread the panels open.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional clamping means are used to connect panel units, then the structure can be assembled, but the panels become unstable under external forces like wind
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping member is divided into two separate components: a retaining member that anchors to the construction element and a clamping member that engages the panel flanges. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function, with the retaining member providing stable anchoring and the clamping member providing secure panel engagement, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural stability and connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping member is positioned within and constrained by the retaining member, forming a nested configuration. The flanges of the clamping member are received within the cavity of the retaining member, creating a nested arrangement that prevents lateral displacement and ensures both structural stability and reliable panel connection under external forces
2Ease of operation
If clamping means project at an angle from panel surfaces, then panels can be connected, but lateral separation occurs under force
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining member is预先 configured with a cavity and flange arrangement that anticipates and counteracts the lateral separation force. When the clamping member is inserted, its flanges are immediately constrained by the retaining member's geometry, creating a pre-positioned anti-action that prevents lateral displacement before it can occur under wind or other external forces
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from a simple angular projection in one dimension to a three-dimensional nested configuration. The retaining member's cavity and flanges create constraints in multiple dimensions, particularly limiting lateral movement in the direction of applied forces while maintaining ease of assembly through the vertical insertion path
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly (14, 16) for securing two juxtaposed panels (64, 66) to a structure (74), each panel including a joining flange (68, 70) located at, or adjacent to, respective juxtaposed edges thereof. The assembly includes a retaining member (14) having a substantially planar surface (24) supporting at opposite edges thereof respective first flanges (26, 28) and a clamping member (16) having two spaced-apart legs (48, 40) depending from a web (36). Second flanges (46, 48) are each supported on a facing internal surface of a respective one of the legs so as to extend away from the web. Each leg engages a respective exposed surface of an adjacent joining flange, the first and second flanges being oriented in opposite directions so as to interlock when the clamping member is mounted on the retaining member and thereby limit lateral separation of the legs.