Interlocking panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing enclosure solutions for structural panels lack versatility, ease of disassembly, and effective sanitation, often requiring permanent installation and being difficult to clean and sanitize, especially in applications where cross-contamination is a concern.

Innovation Solution

An interlocking panel system with finger joints and D-tab/slot corner joints that allows for easy assembly and disassembly without tools, providing lateral, longitudinal, and vertical stability, and includes features like built-in handles for portability and easy cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If permanent enclosure solutions are used, then structural stability is improved, but versatility and ease of disassembly deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidversatility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosure system is divided into separate panel components that can be individually assembled and disassembled. Each panel includes interlocking features (finger joints, D-tab/slot corner joints) that enable stable construction when assembled, while maintaining the ability to be easily taken apart and reconfigured for different applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If permanent enclosure solutions are used, then structural stability is improved, but ease of disassembly deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidease of disassembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosure is segmented into modular panels with standardized interconnection features. The finger joints and D-tab/slot corner joints provide stable connections during use, but can be easily disassembled without special tools by simply separating the interlocked components, enabling rapid reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system transitions from static permanent installation to dynamic reconfigurable assembly. The interlocking joints maintain stability during operation but allow for easy disassembly and reassembly, providing adaptability between stable operation and easy reconfiguration states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If built-in-place enclosure solutions are used, then stability is improved, but ease of cleaning and sanitization deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestabilityVSAvoidease of cleaning

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosure system uses separate panel components with standardized interconnection features. The finger joints and D-tab/slot corner joints provide stable connections during use, but can be easily disassembled without special tools by simply separating the interlocked components, enabling rapid reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The panels are extracted from permanent installation and designed as removable components. This allows the entire enclosure to be disassembled for thorough cleaning and sanitization, with each panel being easily separable to access all surfaces including joint areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS11280085B2Interlocking panels

Publication Date: 2022.03.22 BUFFINGTON DEAN

AI summary

The disclosed interlocking panel systems are portable, self-supporting, and modular. They may function as guards around the sides, rear, and a surface of a workspace and can be disassembled by one person and transported to a sink for cleaning or another location for use or storage. They may also function as structural panels for constructing an enclosure, such as a building.