Construction panel, associated kit and associated modular object
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging solutions are not modular and often too large for the products they contain, making them inefficient for optimal storage and transportation, and their assembly and disassembly processes are cumbersome due to the need for rods or sliding latches that can be lost or tedious to manage.
Innovation Solution
A construction panel with a convex polygonal shape featuring a crenelated pattern of protrusions with integrated sliding locking devices that allow easy locking and unlocking of interconnections, enabling the formation of modular objects like packaging, furniture, or partitions by connecting panels two by two, with the sliding devices configured to move in the same direction for simultaneous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sliding locking devices are integrated into the panels, then the risk of losing locking means is eliminated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is merged with the panel structure itself. The protrusions are formed directly on the panel edges, and the sliding locking devices are integrated into these protrusions, eliminating the need for separate locking components that could be lost. This integration maintains reliability while managing complexity through unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel edges serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, define the panel boundary, and incorporate the locking mechanism through integrated protrusions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, balancing reliability improvement with complexity management.
2Ease of operation
If all sliding locking devices are configured to slide in the same direction, then the assembly and disassembly process is simplified, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is segmented into multiple protrusions along the panel edges, each with its own sliding locking device. By configuring all devices to slide in the same direction, the user can operate them sequentially or simultaneously in one direction, simplifying assembly and disassembly while the segmentation allows for manageable manufacturing tolerances on each individual component.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having locking devices that must be operated in different directions or individually complex sequences, the design inverts the approach by making all devices slide in the same direction. This uniformity simplifies user operation significantly, while the inversion of the traditional varied-direction approach manages the precision requirements through standardization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the packaging is made modular with interchangeable panels, then the adaptability to different products is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The panels are designed with universal features: standardized crenelated edges with protrusions that can interconnect with any complementary panel, regardless of the final packaging configuration. This universality enables high adaptability to different products and packaging shapes while managing device complexity through repeated use of the same basic connecting mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging system is segmented into interchangeable panel modules, each capable of being configured in different arrangements. The standardized protrusion-based locking mechanism on each panel allows for easy assembly and disassembly of different packaging configurations, providing adaptability while keeping individual panel complexity low through modular design.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a construction panel (1), said panel (1) having a polygonal shape, each of the edges of the panel (1) having, over its entire length, a crenelated pattern (2) which is made up of at least two protrusions (3) in each of which a longitudinal through bore (4) is arranged, wherein a sliding locking device (5) is positioned in each longitudinal through bore (4) of the panel (1), said sliding locking device (5) being able to assume one of an unlocked position in which the sliding locking device (5) is completely located inside the associated longitudinal through bore (4) and a locked position in which the sliding locking device (5) partially leaves the associated longitudinal through bore (4).