Model Building Wall Assembly with Alignment Clips

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing model building systems face challenges in allowing for secure but releasable attachment of model pieces to wall segments, making it difficult to rearrange them without causing damage, whether pieces are permanently affixed or freely detached.

Innovation Solution

A wall component system featuring molding frames with central stopping strips and lateral slots, along with mounting studs and model piece alignment clips, allows for secure but releasable connection of model pieces to wall segments, enabling easy rearrangement without damaging the model or wall components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If model pieces are permanently affixed to wall segments, then the model pieces remain securely in position, but rearrangement requires forcible removal that may damage the wall segment or model pieces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure attachment of model piecesVSAvoidrearrangement capability without damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The wall segment is divided into modular components including wall panels, molding frames, and alignment clips that can be independently assembled and disassembled. The alignment clips act as separate intermediary elements that provide the attachment function without permanently bonding the wall panel to model pieces, enabling rearrangement without damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Alignment clips serve as intermediary components between the wall panel and model pieces. These clips provide a mechanical attachment mechanism that secures model pieces in position while allowing for controlled removal and repositioning, thus mediating between the need for secure attachment and the need for rearrangement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If model pieces are freely detached from wall segments, then rearrangement is easy, but model pieces may become jarred from desired position when the model building is moved or bumped

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverearrangement capabilityVSAvoidposition stability of model pieces

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system transitions from a static permanent bond to a dynamic mechanical connection using alignment clips. These clips provide a reversible mechanical engagement that maintains model pieces in stable positions during normal use while allowing for easy removal and repositioning when rearrangement is desired.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment clips act as intermediary mechanical elements that provide controlled engagement between wall panels and model pieces. This mechanical intermediary maintains position stability through physical engagement while allowing for non-destructive removal, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of rearrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If wall segments are assembled with predetermined configuration, then structural integrity is maintained, but adaptability to alternative layouts is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrity of wall segmentsVSAvoidreconfigurability to alternative layouts

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The wall assembly system is segmented into standardized, modular components with consistent interfaces. Wall panels, molding frames, and alignment clips are designed as interchangeable modules that maintain structural integrity through standardized mechanical connections while enabling reconfiguration by simply changing the arrangement of identical modular units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The molding frames and alignment clips are designed as universal components that can be used in multiple positions and configurations. These multi-functional elements maintain structural integrity across different wall segment arrangements while enabling adaptability to various layouts through their standardized, interchangeable nature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10058791B2Wall assembly and alignment clips for assembling miniature model buildings

Publication Date: 2018.08.28 NORFLEET GEORGE MCKINLEY

AI summary

A wall component for receiving associated alignment clips is illustrated and described. The wall component comprises a molding strip, an array of mounting studs, and a molding frame that is inserted between a pair of wall panels. More specifically, the mounting studs are affixed to an inner surface of the molding strip and inserted through the wall panel where they are secured to the molding frame. A gap is formed between the inner surface of the molding strip and an outer surface of the wall panel for receiving associated alignment clips. The alignment clips are releasably secured to the wall component by interlocking with the mounting studs in the clip receiving gap and/or wedging the gap. The alignment clips may be affixed along an abutment edge of the wall segment or to associated model pieces. Model pieces may also be laterally slidable with respect to their associated alignment clips.