Interlocking Panel Clip Assembly for Secure Multi-Panel Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for mounting interior surface panels in buildings often lack efficient and secure attachment systems that can withstand the weight and stress of the panels, particularly in applications where multiple panels are connected.
Innovation Solution
The use of interlocking clips with a baseplate and coupling arm configuration, where each clip includes a groove and end tip, allowing for secure interlocking with another clip to attach surface panels to a building support, ensuring stability and ease of installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mounting methods are used for interior surface panels, then installation can be performed, but the attachment system lacks sufficient strength and reliability to withstand the weight and stress of multiple connected panels
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: clips attached to the panel edges and corresponding receptacles on the support structure. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function, improving both strength and reliability of the attachment system.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling arm of one clip inserts into the groove of another clip, creating a nested interlocking configuration. This nesting arrangement provides mechanical interlocking that significantly increases the strength and reliability of the connection between panels and support structures.
2Reliability
If a secure interlocking clip system is implemented, then attachment strength and reliability improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional features are merged into single integrated components. The clip combines the coupling arm, groove, and mounting function in one piece. The receptacle integrates the receiving groove and mounting mechanism. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall assembly process despite the sophisticated interlocking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip and receptacle design provides multi-functionality: they serve as both structural support elements and connection mechanisms. The same components that provide mechanical strength also facilitate easy installation and alignment, reducing the need for additional specialized parts.
3Productivity
If multiple surface panels are connected using traditional methods, then coverage is achieved, but alignment and installation become difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The clips are pre-attached to the panel edges before installation. The grooves and coupling arms are pre-configured in the correct positions and orientations. This preliminary preparation ensures that during installation, panels can be quickly aligned and connected without requiring complex measurement or adjustment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove and coupling arm configuration uses asymmetric geometry to provide self-alignment during installation. The specific shape and orientation of the groove relative to the coupling arm create a unique fitting that guides proper alignment, making installation faster and more accurate while maintaining strong connections.
Data Source
AI summary
Interlocking clips include a first clip and a second clip. The first and second clips each include a baseplate, a coupling arm protruding from the baseplate, and a groove defined by the coupling arm. The baseplates of the first and second clips configured to affix to a building support and the surface panel, respectively. The groove includes an inlet opening, an inlet portion extending from the inlet opening, and an end portion extending from the inlet portion. The grooves of the first clip and the second clip are configured to receive the coupling arm of the other one of the first clip and the second clip. A surface panel support system includes interlocking clips. A method of attaching a surface panel to a building support includes interlocking a first clip affixed to the surface panel with a second clip affixed to the building support.