Keyed Cam Lock Assembly for Insulated Panel Corner Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Angled cuts and side-by-side panel cam locks in insulated panel structures, such as those used in cold storage rooms, are difficult to work with due to the need for precise angular orientations and special handling.
Innovation Solution
A keyed cam lock system with an insert bracket that immobilizes panels in two directions, featuring a V-shaped portion to guide fasteners and eliminate the need for beveled cuts, allowing for easy assembly and secure connections between insulated panels without requiring specific angular orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If angled cuts are made along corners of insulated panels, then the panels can be connected to form corners, but the cutting and assembly process becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The corner connection system is segmented into separate functional components: an insert bracket that fits into a slot in one panel, and a cam lock mechanism that engages with the bracket. This segmentation eliminates the need for angled cuts on panels while still achieving secure corner connections, as the connection geometry is provided by the separate bracket component rather than requiring precise panel cutting.
2Adaptability or versatility
If side-by-side panel cam locks are used, then panels can be connected laterally, but the cam requires insertion at a particular angular orientation making assembly difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cam lock mechanism is designed to be self-aligning through the V-shaped portion of the insert bracket. The V-shape guides the cam lock into the correct orientation automatically during insertion, eliminating the need for the installer to manually align the cam at a specific angle. The bracket essentially services the alignment function that would otherwise require precise manual operation.
3Reliability
If beveled cuts are required for panel connections, then secure corner joints can be achieved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The insert bracket acts as an intermediary component between the panels. Instead of requiring precise angled cuts directly on the panels to achieve secure joints, the bracket provides the connection geometry and securement features. The bracket fits into a simple slot in one panel and provides surfaces for engaging the cam lock, thereby mediating the connection and eliminating the need for precision angled cutting of the panels themselves.
Data Source
AI summary
A cam lock for side-by-side tongue-and-groove interlocking panels can be arranged to work easily and effectively by using a keyed cam lock that provides proper orientation and a stop when the lock is engaged. A cam lock for side-by-side tongue-and-groove interlocking panels can be arranged to be inserted on the tongue side and act against a mid-portion of the opposed panel. An insert bracket can cover with one end at least a part of an end of a panel at a corner connection between panels and with the other end it can fit into a slot in the panel to immobilize the panel in two directions, while a fastener-receiving portion of the bracket can have a V-shaped portion whose side walls can guide the fastener to pass through the bracket at a bottom of the V-shaped portion. This concept applies for wall to wall connection, wall to ceiling connection and wall to floor connection.