Connection elements for panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection systems for modular structures, such as refrigerating cells, are costly and labor-intensive due to the need for precise shaping and sizing of panels, leading to high production costs and thermal bridging issues.
Innovation Solution
A connection element with a box-shaped main body and L-shaped engagement seats, made from materials like PVC, that allows for a form-fitting connection between panels with reduced thermal conductivity and simplified assembly, using locking elements and fixing means to secure panels without complex profiles or hooks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If panels are shaped with stepped profiles and form-fitting connections, then connection solidity is improved, but production cost increases and thermal bridging occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into modular components: standardized panels with simple edges, separate connection elements (angular elements and laminar elements), and fixing means. This segmentation allows panels to be produced with simple, standardized edges rather than complex stepped profiles, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining connection solidity through the specialized connection elements.
Solution Approach 2:
Laminar connection elements are introduced as intermediaries between panels to achieve form-fitting connections. These laminar elements provide the necessary geometric complexity for solid connections without requiring the panels themselves to have complex stepped profiles, thereby simplifying panel manufacturing while maintaining connection strength.
2Stability of the object's composition
If panels are precisely shaped and sized for form-fitting connection, then connection stability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection function is segmented from the panels and transferred to dedicated connection elements. Panels are produced with simple, standardized edges requiring minimal precision, while the connection elements (angular and laminar) are designed to provide the precise geometric relationships needed for stable connections, separating the precision requirements from the main panel production.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows panels to be produced with standardized dimensions and simple edge profiles, changing the geometric parameters of panels from complex stepped profiles to simple rectangular edges. The precision and complexity are then embodied in the connection elements themselves, which are designed with the necessary geometric features for stable connections.
3Stability of the object's composition
If engaging elements and seats are provided on panels for perpendicular connection, then assembly stability is improved, but assembly complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into standardized panels with simple edges, separate angular elements for perpendicular connections, and laminar elements for linear connections. This segmentation allows panels to maintain simple geometry while providing stable perpendicular connections through the specialized angular elements, reducing overall assembly complexity compared to providing all connection features directly on panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection elements are designed to provide multiple functions: angular elements handle perpendicular panel connections, laminar elements handle linear panel connections, and both work with standardized panel edges. This multi-functionality reduces the need for different panel configurations and simplifies the overall assembly process while maintaining stability.
4Stability of the object's composition
If panels are connected with laminar joint elements, then connection stability is improved, but thermal insulation performance deteriorates due to thermal bridges
Solution Approach 1:
The connection elements are designed with differentiated properties: angular elements provide mechanical stability for perpendicular connections while minimizing thermal bridge effects through their geometry and material selection. The laminar elements provide form-fitting connections with reduced thermal conductivity. This local optimization of connection elements allows stable connections while minimizing thermal bridge effects at critical joint locations.
5Ease of manufacture
If panels are produced with standardized dimensions and simple edges, then manufacturing cost and ease of production are improved, but connection stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connection function is segmented from the panels and embodied in separate connection elements. Panels are produced with simple, standardized edges requiring minimal manufacturing complexity, while the angular and laminar connection elements provide the necessary geometric features for stable connections. This segmentation allows panels to be manufactured easily and economically while maintaining connection stability through the specialized connection elements.
Solution Approach 2:
Laminar connection elements serve as intermediaries between panels with simple edges, providing the necessary form-fitting geometry for stable connections without requiring the panels themselves to have complex profiles. This intermediary approach allows panels to be manufactured with simple, standardized edges while maintaining connection stability through the laminar elements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution reduces production costs, simplifies assembly, enhances thermal insulation, and increases mechanical strength by minimizing thermal bridges and allowing rapid, stable connection of panels, thus lowering overall costs and improving assembly efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The connection element according to the invention comprises a main body 2 which is box-shaped... made from materials like PVC... enhanced thermal insulation... minimizing thermal bridges
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~9
AI summary
A connection element (1) for connecting at least two panels (101) to each other, having a substantially rectangular profile, of a modular structure (100), preferably of insulated or refrigerating cells, the connection element (1) comprising: • a main body (2) with a prevalent longitudinal extent along an axis (X'), the main body (2) being provided with a first wall and a second wall (5, 8) which extend longitudinally along the axis (X) and which are arranged perpendicularly to each other, further comprising: • a first projection (6) which is arranged perpendicularly to the first wall (5) and which is connected thereto at a first corner (25) so as to delimit therewith an L-shaped engagement seat (3) which extends longitudinally along the axis (X) and which has dimensions so as to receive and accommodate an end portion (102b) of a first panel (101a), and • a second projection (7) which is arranged perpendicularly to the second wall (8) and which is connected thereto at a second corner (35) so as to delimit therewith a second L-shaped engagement seat (4) which extends longitudinally along the axis (X) and which has dimensions so as to receive and accommodate an end portion (102b) of a second panel (101b).