Latchable Wall Panels for Tool-Free Storage System Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic storage systems face challenges in easy assembly and disassembly, as well as high costs due to complex and costly fastening methods, such as screws or welding, which are not significantly enhanced by alternative solutions like spring clips.
Innovation Solution
The system employs wall panels with slot-shaped receptacles and sliding holding elements that allow for tool-free assembly and disassembly, using latching elements integrated into the panels and supports to secure them without additional fastening elements, and features reinforced designs to absorb loads and enhance safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If wall panels are fastened to the supporting structure using stable fastening elements such as screws or welding, then the strength and stability of the connection is improved, but the device complexity and assembly cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wall panel's side region is designed to automatically engage with the support bracket through a self-latching mechanism. When the panel is pressed against the support, the holding element slides into the retaining section and locks automatically without requiring external fastening elements like screws or welding tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention removes the need for separate fastening elements (screws, welds, or additional clips) by integrating the fastening function directly into the wall panel structure itself. The holding element is formed as part of the panel, eliminating auxiliary components.
2Ease of operation
If additional fastening elements like spring clips are used to connect sheet metal cladding and posts, then the ease of assembly is improved, but the device complexity and costs increase minimally while resistance is not significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the functions of the wall panel, fastening element, and retaining mechanism into a single integrated structure. The holding element is formed integrally with the wall panel, eliminating the need for separate spring clips or additional fastening components.
3Ease of operation
If wall panels are designed with integrated latching elements for tool-free assembly, then the ease of assembly and disassembly is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wall panel is divided into functional zones: the outer wall section, the side region with the holding element, and the retaining section. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function while being manufactured as an integrated piece, with the holding element formed by bending or shaping the side region.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution simplifies the assembly and disassembly process, reduces costs, and significantly increases the safety and load-bearing capacity of the storage system by allowing wall panels to be easily locked and unlocked without tools, while maintaining structural integrity under external forces.
Implementation Method 1
The holding element (10b) is designed to be elastically extensible in order to allow the slot-shaped receptacle (5a) to be widened when the snap-in connection between the holding element and the protective cover is joined
Implementation Method 2
A wall panel is preferably pressed into the latch from the outside for assembly and is thus automatically held on the supporting structure
Implementation Method 3
two adjacent wall panels for receiving the retaining element form a slot-shaped receptacle into which the retaining element is inserted
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an automatic storage system having a storage volume enclosed at least in segments by a covering made of at least one wall panel (3), wherein the wall panel (3) is attached to a support structure. The invention further relates to a kit for automatic storage systems and to a method for assembling an automatic storage system (1), wherein at least one wall panel (3) is placed on at least one support (8) substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the support (8). In order to simplify the assembly of the storage system, according to the invention, attachment segments (3c) or mounting segments (8b) designed as latch elements on the wall panels (3) and the supports (8) have at least one mounting surface (3d) facing outward.