Interlocking Enclosure Panels for Soil and Compost
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing enclosures for raised beds and composters require numerous connecting elements for assembly, leading to complexity, potential loss of parts, and difficulty in storage, as well as variable angular positions that complicate construction and stability.
Innovation Solution
The enclosure consists of one-piece plate elements with interlocking formations and recesses, such as hooks and ridges, that connect without additional fasteners, featuring a stop mechanism to fix the angular position at a defined angle, ensuring stability and ease of assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If additional connecting elements (rods, screws) are used to join panel elements, then the enclosure can be assembled and disassembled, but the complexity of assembly increases and small parts are lost or difficult to store
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting function is merged into the panel elements themselves through integrated connection geometries (protrusions and recesses) molded directly onto the panels. This eliminates the need for separate connecting elements like rods or screws, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining the ability to assemble and disassemble the enclosure.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel elements are designed to be self-connecting through their inherent geometric features. The protrusions and recesses automatically guide and secure the connection without requiring additional fasteners or complex assembly procedures, making the system self-sufficient and easier to operate.
2Ease of manufacture
If additional connecting elements are used to join panel elements, then the enclosure can be assembled, but storage becomes difficult and parts are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting elements are extracted from the system by integrating their function directly into the panel elements. The connection capability is built into the panels themselves through molded protrusions and recesses, eliminating separate connecting parts that could be lost or damaged during storage and handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection function is combined with the panel structure itself. The protrusions and recesses are permanent features of the panels, so no separate connecting elements need to be stored or managed, preventing loss and simplifying storage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If variable angular positions are allowed for interconnected panel elements, then adaptability increases, but assembly becomes unnecessarily complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The connection allows for controlled angular adjustment within defined ranges while maintaining stable positioned states. The system transitions from completely fixed angles to dynamically adjustable angles with discrete stable positions, enabling both adaptability and ease of assembly through natural positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel elements automatically find and lock into stable angular positions through their geometric interaction. The connection geometry provides natural stopping points and stable equilibria, eliminating the need for precise alignment or adjustment mechanisms while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an enclosure (1) for receiving soil and/or compost material, in particular for a raised bed or a composter, consisting of any number of one-piece and connectable plate elements (3), wherein each plate element has a series of forms (6) and corresponding recesses (7) on pairwise opposite sides, wherein the forms of a first plate element can be connected to the recesses of a second plate element without an additional connecting element.