Lath Assembly Connector with Internal Key Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lath assemblies for sidewall and ceiling finishing often result in visually unattractive mitre corner joints due to noticeable gaps and require additional steps for aesthetic improvement, such as using gap fillers or adhesives.
Innovation Solution
A lath assembly with a connector system featuring key members and lath stoppers that provide a secure form closure, preventing movement and eliminating gaps by engaging in a geometrically closed connection, thus eliminating the need for additional filling or adhesive steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If corner caps are used to connect laths, then the lath assembly can be assembled, but the visual appearance deteriorates due to noticeable gaps and decolouring
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is extracted from the visible exterior and positioned entirely inside the lath assembly, with key members extending through keyways to internal positions. This removes the visually detrimental corner caps from the exterior while maintaining their connection function internally, resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector components (key members and keyways) are nested within the lath structure itself, with the connector positioned inside the lath assembly and key members extending through internal keyways. This nesting approach maintains connection functionality while eliminating visible connection elements from the exterior surface.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional connector systems are used, then laths can be connected, but gaps occur over time requiring additional filling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The key members are designed with predetermined geometries and engagement features that pre-establish a gap-preventing connection. The keyways and key members are shaped in advance to provide form closure that inherently prevents gap formation, eliminating the need for subsequent filling operations while maintaining assembly simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design incorporates inherent gap compensation features through its geometric configuration, providing beforehand protection against gap formation. The form closure mechanism and engagement geometry are designed to accommodate and compensate for dimensional variations and settling, preventing gap occurrence before they can develop.
3Shape
If gap fillers or adhesives are applied to improve appearance, then aesthetic appearance improves, but the number of operational steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lath assembly with the connector performs the gap-prevention function autonomously through its inherent geometric design. The form closure mechanism and engagement features automatically maintain gap-free joints without requiring external gap fillers or adhesives, thereby eliminating additional operational steps while maintaining aesthetic appearance.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
Lath assembly for a sidewall finishing of a floor or ceiling comprising a pair of a first and second lath. The lath assembly further comprises a connector for connecting the first ends of the pair of laths to each other. The connector comprises two key members which are arranged to be inserted into respective keyways of the laths to be connected. By inserting the key members into the keyways, the laths are brought into an assembled condition. Each keyway of the combination of laths comprises an integrally formed lath stopper and each key member comprises an integrally formed key stopper. The key stopper is in an assembled condition in form closure with the lath stopper to lock the connector in the longitudinal direction to the lath. Advantageously, the engagement of the key stopper with the lath stopper provides a secure lockage of the connector to the lath in length direction.