Modular Panel Joining Clip With Pressure Edges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for securing prefabricated modular panels, such as those used in insulated rooms and refrigeration units, do not provide efficient and strong junctions, especially when panels are assembled perpendicularly, often requiring expensive cam-lock fasteners and additional finishing trims.
Innovation Solution
A clip system with a male and female portion design, featuring pressure edges and flat members that secure panels together by forcing the male portion into the female upon assembly, along with a fastening guide to facilitate alignment and secure the connection, eliminating the need for internal metal sheets and additional trims.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional screws, trims, or adhesives are used to secure modular panels together, then the panels can be joined, but the junctions are not efficient or strong enough
Solution Approach 1:
The clip is divided into multiple functional segments: a first flat member with a first pressure edge for forcing the male portion toward the female portion, a second flat member with a second pressure edge for the same purpose, a third flat member, and a fourth flat member. This segmentation allows each part to perform a specific function, collectively achieving a strong and reliable connection between modular panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip is pre-assembled with the first, second, third, and fourth flat members in specific configurations before being installed on the modular panels. The pressure edges are pre-positioned to force the male portion toward the female portion upon installation, ensuring immediate and strong connection without requiring additional adjustment or finishing trims.
2Strength
If cam-lock fasteners are used to secure perpendicular panels, then the connection is strong, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional elements (first flat member, second flat member, third flat member, fourth flat member with pressure edges) are merged into a single integrated clip structure. This unified design eliminates the need for separate cam-lock fasteners and additional finishing trims, reducing device complexity while maintaining connection strength for perpendicular panel assembly.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional fastening methods are used, then panels can be joined, but additional finishing trims and internal metal sheets are required
Solution Approach 1:
The clip is designed as a universal fastening device that performs multiple functions: it secures the male portion to the female portion, provides structural reinforcement, and eliminates the need for additional finishing trims and internal metal sheets. The first, second, third, and fourth flat members work together to achieve all these functions in a single component.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates unnecessary components (internal metal sheets and additional finishing trims) from the traditional fastening system. The clip alone provides all necessary fastening and finishing functions, simplifying the assembly process and reducing the number of components required.
Data Source
AI summary
The present document describes a clip for securing a tight connection between two modular panels. The connection has a male portion on a first one of the two modular panels, and a female portion on a second one of the two modular panels. The male portion is for being inserted into the female portion upon assembly of the two modular panels side by side. The clip comprises a first flat member having a first pressure edge, and a second flat member having a second pressure edge. The second flat member is fixedly joined to the first flat member. The panels are assembled in an assembly direction. Upon introduction of the first flat member into the male portion, and of the second flat member into the female portion perpendicularly to the assembly direction, the first pressure edge of the first flat member forces the male portion toward the female portion, while the second pressure edge of the second flat member forces the female portion toward the male portion. These forces secure the tight connection between the two modular panels.