Multi-Panel Kit for Structural Joint Recesses

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Cutting recesses into structural members for forming joints during framing operations complicates and weakens the production and provision of these members, as it requires complex cutting processes and reduces the structural integrity of the materials.

Innovation Solution

A multi-panel kit comprising interlocking panels that define recesses for joints, where first and second panels with intermediate panels create recesses that can receive protrusions or portions of other structural elements, allowing for secure connection without the need for extensive cutting, and can be assembled or disassembled for ease of storage and transportation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If recesses are cut into structural members for forming joints, then joints can be formed for connecting structural members, but the structural integrity of the members is weakened and the production process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint formation capabilityVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the joint formation system into separate components: standardized structural members with protrusions and separate recess components. This eliminates the need to cut recesses into the structural members themselves, preserving their integrity while still enabling joint formation through assembly of the separate recess components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces an intermediary recess component that mediates between structural members. Instead of directly cutting recesses into the structural members, the recess is formed as a separate element that receives the protrusions, thus protecting the structural members from weakening cuts while still enabling joint formation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If recesses are cut into structural members for forming joints, then joints can be formed for connecting structural members, but the production process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint formation capabilityVSAvoidproduction process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the joint system into pre-fabricated standardized members and separate recess components. This reduces production complexity by allowing structural members to be manufactured without complex cutting operations, while the recess components can be produced separately and assembled as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention performs preliminary action by pre-forming protrusions on structural members during their primary manufacturing process, before any joint assembly is required. This eliminates the need for complex cutting operations at the construction site or during final assembly, simplifying the overall production and assembly process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If structural members are cut to form recesses, then joints can be created, but material waste increases and structural integrity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint formation capabilityVSAvoidmaterial waste

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses an intermediary recess component that receives protrusions from structural members. This eliminates the need to remove material from the structural members to create recesses, thereby preventing material waste while still enabling joint formation through the intermediary component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of cutting recesses into the structural members (removing material), the invention inverts the approach by adding protrusions to the structural members and creating corresponding recesses in separate components. This inversion eliminates material waste from cutting operations while achieving the same joint formation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS11280080B2Kit for defining a recess for a single or multi-way joint

Publication Date: 2022.03.22 BUCKLITSCH PETER JAMES

AI summary

A multi-panel kit defining one or more recesses for a structural joint. The kit including first and second panels for respectively defining first and second faces of the one or more recesses in use. One or more intermediate panels, each defining an intermediate face of at least one, of the one or more recesses in use, and one or more pairs of slots, each comprising a first slot through the first panel and a second slot through the second panel. The one or more recesses are intermediate the first and second panels, and the intermediate faces of each recess extending between the first and second faces of that recess. Each pair of slots is for receiving one of the one or more intermediate panels in use, and each of the one or more intermediate panels includes a first notch and a second notch for receiving an edge of the first slot and an edge of the second slot of a pair of slots respectively in use.