Modular Panel System With Central Channel Linking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly and disassembly of panel supports are time-consuming and labor-intensive, requiring skilled labor and resulting in high costs, especially in scenarios with frequent event changes in venues like conference centers and office buildings.
Innovation Solution
A panel support system featuring a central channel with ledges and cutouts, side channels with cutouts, and a slide bolt mechanism that allows for quick and easy connection and disconnection of panels, reducing the need for skilled labor and minimizing assembly time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional panel supports with extrusions and slots are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but assembly and disassembly become time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The panel support system is divided into modular components (panel supports, panels, connectors, accessories) that can be independently assembled and disassembled. The central channel with ledges and cutouts creates distinct connection zones, allowing rapid assembly without compromising structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector acts as an intermediary element that joins panel supports together through the central channel mechanism. The linking element with head and shaft provides a mediating connection between adjacent panel supports, enabling quick assembly while maintaining structural strength.
2Reliability
If skilled labor is used for assembly, then proper installation is ensured, but labor costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The panel support system is designed to be self-explanatory and self-assembling through its intuitive structure. The central channel with ledges and cutouts automatically guides the linking element into the correct position, reducing the need for skilled labor while ensuring proper installation through the self-aligning mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism changes from requiring skilled manual assembly to an automated alignment process. The geometric parameters of the central channel (ledges extending from sides, cutouts positioned at specific locations) create a self-aligning system that reduces dependency on worker skill level.
3Productivity
If multiple events are scheduled back-to-back, then venue utilization is maximized, but assembly and disassembly time becomes a bottleneck
Solution Approach 1:
The panel supports and accessories are pre-configured with the central channel structure and cutout patterns during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid on-site assembly without requiring complex field modifications, enabling quick transitions between events.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static, permanent wall structure to a dynamic, reconfigurable temporary structure. The panel supports can be quickly assembled, repositioned, and disassembled to accommodate different event layouts, maximizing venue utilization across multiple back-to-back events.
4Adaptability or versatility
If additional features like extrusions with slots are added to panel supports, then functionality is enhanced, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The central channel structure merges multiple functions into a single integrated component. The ledges and cutouts in the central channel simultaneously provide structural support, alignment guidance, and connection points for accessories, reducing the number of separate parts and simplifying assembly while maintaining functional versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular panel system including a plurality of posts where each post includes a front face, a rear face, and opposed lateral faces. A central channel is formed in the front face where the central channel has a linking opening, a first ledge and a second ledge. Cutouts are formed in the ledges. The rear face includes a panel receiving channel that receives an edge of a panel. A linking element is configured to be secured in the linking opening. The head of the linking element is sized to fit within the first and the second cutouts and be secured by the first and second ledges to couple the first post to the second post. The lateral faces of the coupled posts together form a first side central channel and a first side central channel cutout that is configured to receive a second linking element to couple a third post to the coupled first and second posts.