Modular Mobile Partition With Interchangeable Sealing Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile partition walls face challenges in manufacturing complexity, weight due to frame-based structures, limited standardization, and restricted universal use due to the need for custom production and complex integration of sound and heat insulation components.

Innovation Solution

A modular and uniform structural design for wall elements with interchangeable and expandable units, using a profiled assembly element with guide grooves for flexible positioning, and integrated sealing modules with electrically driven mechanisms for adjustable sealing strips, allowing for easy assembly and adaptation to various dimensions and installation variants.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a frame-based supporting structure is used, then the wall elements can be manufactured with standard components, but the weight of the wall elements increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovemanufacturabilityVSAvoidweight
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The wall element is divided into modular components: a lightweight carrier structure, separate cover plates, and interchangeable functional modules (sealing modules, technical modules). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the carrier structure remains lightweight while functional requirements are met by attached modules, resolving the contradiction between manufacturability and weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Functional modules are nested within or attached to the carrier structure. The sealing modules and technical modules can be integrated into the carrier framework, allowing the lightweight carrier to support multiple functions without requiring a heavy frame-based structure for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If additional or thicker cover plates are used to meet heat and sound insulation requirements, then the insulation performance improves, but the weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat and sound insulationVSAvoidweight
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The insulation function is separated from the structural cover plates. Instead of making cover plates thicker and heavier, the patent uses dedicated sealing modules with insulating materials positioned at the critical edges where sound and heat penetration occurs, maintaining lightweight construction while achieving insulation requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Insulation and sealing are applied locally at the edges and joints where they are most needed, rather than uniformly across entire cover plates. The sealing modules concentrate insulating material at critical locations, providing effective heat and sound insulation without the weight penalty of uniformly thick cover plates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If custom production is used to accommodate varying installation situations and dimensions, then the partition walls can be adapted to specific requirements, but the manufacturing complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier structure is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple types of functional modules (sealing modules, technical modules, passage modules). This modular system allows the same basic carrier design to be used across different installation situations and dimensions, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining adaptability through module selection and arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows dynamic configuration by selectively assembling different functional modules onto standardized carriers. Rather than manufacturing custom wall elements for each application, the adaptable configuration is achieved through flexible module assembly, simplifying production while meeting varied requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If sealing mechanisms are integrated into the frame structure, then the sealing function is achieved, but the production becomes more complex and repair options are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing functionVSAvoidproduction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing function is segmented into separate, interchangeable sealing modules that attach to the carrier structure rather than being integrated into the frame. This allows the sealing mechanisms to be produced independently using standardized processes, reducing production complexity while maintaining reliable sealing through dedicated module design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular sealing modules are designed to be easily replaceable and upgradable. If a sealing mechanism fails or needs upgrading, only the specific module needs to be replaced rather than the entire frame structure, simplifying repair and maintenance while ensuring reliable sealing function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentEP1945875B1Mobile partition
Publication Date: 2017.06.14 DORMAKABA DEUT GMBH
  • EP1945875B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1945875B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1945875B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a mobile partition comprising a plurality of wall elements (1) which are suspended on sliding rails in a displaceable manner. The aim of the invention is to create a mobile partition comprising structural units (12) which are easy to produce and assemble, and can be universally used, and individual wall elements (1) which can be arranged in a simple and variable manner on the edge sides thereof. To this end, assembly elements (9) are horizontally and/or vertically arranged on the wall elements (1), modular structural units (12) being laterally insertable.