Modular Panel System for Patterned Enclosure Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manufacturers of computing systems face challenges in efficiently assembling patterned doors for enclosures, often requiring specialized pieces or multiple small pieces to be attached to a universal grid, leading to assembly errors and increased manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

A modular panel system comprising a major subunit secured to a keyed backing panel with connectors and minor subunits that couple to the major subunit, allowing for secure attachment in a predetermined orientation to form a patterned panel, reducing assembly errors and costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple small pieces are attached to a universal grid or backing, then the door can be manufactured with standardized components, but assembly errors increase and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestandardized componentsVSAvoidassembly errors

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by providing connectors with asymmetric features (e.g., L-shaped connectors with specific orientation requirements) that can only be attached to the backing panel in one correct orientation. This asymmetric design physically prevents incorrect assembly, eliminating assembly errors while maintaining standardized component benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the backing panel with connection features (recesses, protrusions, keyed slots) in specific patterns before the actual door assembly. This pre-established configuration guides the assembly process and ensures components are installed in the correct positions and orientations, reducing assembly errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple small pieces are attached to a universal grid or backing, then the door can be manufactured with standardized components, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestandardized componentsVSAvoidmanufacturing costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate components (backing panel, connectors, and decorative elements) into an integrated assembly system. By combining these elements with standardized connection interfaces, the system achieves versatility for different door designs while streamlining the manufacturing process through modular assembly, thereby reducing overall manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates universal connectors and backing panels that can serve multiple functions and be used across different door designs and configurations. This multi-functionality allows a single standardized component to be used in various applications, reducing the need for custom-manufactured parts and lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If connectors are provided with asymmetric features for single orientation attachment, then assembly errors are reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly errorsVSAvoidconnector design

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetry in connector design (e.g., L-shaped connectors with directional features) to ensure they can only be attached in one correct orientation. This simple asymmetric feature effectively prevents assembly errors without requiring complex mechanisms, mechanisms, or multiple components, thus maintaining low device complexity while achieving high reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

4Manufacturing precision

If a keyed backing panel with specific connection feature orientations is used, then predetermined patterns are formed, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepattern consistencyVSAvoidbacking panel design

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the backing panel with connection features (recesses, protrusions, keyed slots) arranged in specific patterns before door assembly. This pre-established configuration ensures that when standardized connectors are attached, they automatically form the desired predetermined patterns with consistent orientation, achieving manufacturing precision without requiring complex real-time control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8898979B2Visual patterning for a cover system using modular units on a patterned backing

Publication Date: 2014.12.02 LENOVO GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES SWITZERLAND INTERNATIONAL GMBH

AI summary

A modular panel unit according to one embodiment includes a major subunit adapted for being secured to a keyed backing panel, and at least one minor subunit. The major subunit includes at least one connector adapted for coupling to a corresponding connection feature of the keyed backing panel in order to secure the major subunit to the keyed backing panel; and one or more coupling features. Each minor subunit includes: one or more couplers adapted for coupling to the one or more coupling features of the major subunit in order to secure the minor subunit to the major subunit. Additional systems and methods are also disclosed.