Modular Wall With Elastic C-Columns for Dust-Free Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular wall systems for health departments face challenges in stability and surface continuity, with prior solutions either compromising on stability by using external supporting columns or failing to ensure seamless surface integration, which can lead to dust passage and safety hazards.

Innovation Solution

The modular wall system employs undercut means formed from simple undulated foils for elastic deformation, allowing the carrier structure to support wall modules without floor fixation, using self-expanding sealing materials to maintain dust and liquid protection, and integrating deformable columns that function as both panel supports and elastic clips.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If external supporting columns fastened to the floor are used, then stability of the wall element is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to floor fixation requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of the wall elementVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the supporting column function and the elastic clipping function into a single integrated element. The C-shaped column with elastic arms serves both as a structural support and as a fastening mechanism, eliminating the need for separate floor-fixation columns and simplifying the overall system while maintaining stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic arms of the C-shaped column automatically engage with the wall panels through elastic deformation, providing self-locking and self-supporting functionality. The system uses its own elastic elements to provide both support and fastening, eliminating the need for external floor-fixation columns

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Shape

If rigid joint clips are used to ensure surface continuity, then surface continuity is improved, but stability deteriorates as the clips cannot provide adequate structural support

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface continuityVSAvoidstability

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the supporting element by using elastic material with specific deformation properties. The elastic arms can deform to accommodate panel installation while maintaining continuous surface contact, providing both structural support and surface continuity simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The C-shaped column combines rigid structural components with elastic elements in a composite structure. This allows the same element to provide both mechanical support (rigid function) and surface continuity (elastic function), resolving the contradiction between these two requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If complex elastic ring or spiral-type fastenings are used, then reliability of fastening is improved, but ease of manufacture and device complexity worsen due to complex assembly requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of fasteningVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic fastening system is segmented into simple C-shaped columns with individual elastic arms, replacing complex ring or spiral structures. Each column is an independent, simple component that can be manufactured separately and assembled easily, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining reliable elastic fastening

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses simple, inexpensive C-shaped columns with elastic arms that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. These simple elastic elements provide reliable fastening without the complexity and cost of precision-engineered ring or spiral fasteners

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

This solution enhances stability and surface continuity, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly while preventing dust and liquid intrusion, offering a versatile and hygienic modular wall system suitable for healthcare environments.

Implementation Method 1

undercut means (110) adapted to allow deforming elastic means (120) for fastening and supporting the wall module (10, 20)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

using self-expanding sealing materials to maintain dust and liquid protection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSelf-expanding sealing:

Data Source

PatentEP3397822B1Modular wall for health departments

Publication Date: 2022.02.09 BRESCIANI ELISA

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AI summary

A modular wall (1, 2) for health departments is described, comprising at least one wall module (10, 20) connected to a carrier structure (100) through undercut means (110) adapted to allow deforming elastic means (120) for fastening and supporting the at least one wall module (10, 20), the wall module (10, 20) comprising the undercut means (110) and the carrier structure (100) comprising the elastic means (120), the carrier structure (100) being composed of at least two columns (101) fastened by means of a base (102), each column (101) being composed of at least one pair of rods with open shaped profile adapted to be elastically deformed for blocking and supporting the wall module (10, 20).