Notched Rod Panel Fixing Device with Movable Locking Means
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for fixing panels at a distance from a support structure, such as walls or ceilings, face challenges in adjustment and reliability due to non-flat surfaces and inaccurate fixing quality, particularly when the jumper is clipped into the support profile.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a notched rod with sliding guide means and locking/unlocking components that allow the rod to slide orthogonally, providing adjustable and secure fixation without rotational movement, ensuring the rod remains locked in place even after multiple actuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a threaded sleeve is used to adjust the bracket's position, then the bracket can be adjusted along the rod, but the adjustment cannot be made once the bracket is clipped into the support profile
Solution Approach 1:
The locking/unlocking means is designed to be movable relative to the bracket, transitioning between a locked position where notches engage to block rod passage and an unlocked position where free passage is allowed. This dynamic mechanism enables adjustment before final positioning while ensuring secure fixation afterward.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking/unlocking means features notched surfaces that selectively engage with notches on the rod at specific positions. This localized engagement provides reliable locking at the engaged position while maintaining adjustability at other positions along the rod's length.
2Ease of operation
If a clamp-type connecting device with elastic deformation properties is used, then the bracket can be adjusted along the rod, but the fastening quality becomes random due to imprecision and residual deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking/unlocking means transitions between distinct locked and unlocked positions with clear notched surface engagement. This eliminates the random fastening quality issue by providing precise, repeatable positioning through mechanical notching rather than relying on elastic deformation and residual stresses.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the adjustment function from the elastic deformation mechanism and separates it from the locking function. The locking/unlocking means provides precise positioning independently of material deformation properties, eliminating the coupling between adjustability and precision errors.
3Ease of manufacture
If the bracket is designed to clip onto the support profile, then the installation is simplified, but the adjustment latitude is limited once clipped
Solution Approach 1:
The locking/unlocking means is designed to be movable relative to the bracket, allowing the rod to be positioned at different locations along the channel before final locking. This dynamic design maintains the simple clipping installation while providing adjustment latitude during the positioning phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection device is segmented into the bracket, the rod, and the movable locking/unlocking means. This segmentation allows the bracket to remain simple for clipping installation while the locking/unlocking means provides the adjustment function independently through its ability to move and engage at different positions.
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
The device has a clip (30) comprising a guide unit (34) within which a toothed rod is slide. A slider (40) is slidably mounted with respect to a rider and provided with a notched surface. The notched surface is arranged such that the slider provides an unlocked position in which the notched surface allows free passage of the toothed rod in the guide unit, and a locked position in which the notched surface is engaged with notches of the toothed rod so as to block the passage of the toothed rod in the guide unit.