Panel Anchoring Device with Front-Access Multi-Directional Regulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing adjustable anchoring devices for coating panels are limited in their ability to regulate panels on non-vertical walls and require access through the rear panel, making them unsuitable for visibly assembled panels, as they need to perforate the front for adjustment.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable anchoring device that allows for vertical and horizontal regulation without perforating the panel's front, using a plaque fixed to the panel with a linearly movable slide and regulation screws, enabling easy alignment of adjacent panels by acting on the same side.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If access opening is provided in the rear panel for regulation, then regulation is possible, but aesthetic appearance is compromised for visible panels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregulation accessVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional regulation access approach by providing access openings in the front panel instead of the rear panel. This allows the regulation mechanism to be accessible from the visible side, eliminating the need for rear access openings that would compromise aesthetics. The front panel openings are designed to be discrete and can be concealed or minimized, while providing full access to the regulation screws and mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from single-direction (vertical only) regulation to multi-directional regulation by adding horizontal adjustment capability through the front panel access. The regulation mechanism now operates in two dimensions (vertical and horizontal) while maintaining aesthetic appearance, as all adjustments are made through the front panel without requiring rear access openings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If vertical regulation only is provided, then simple structure is maintained, but alignment on non-vertical walls is impossible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregulation mechanismVSAvoidwall alignment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the regulation mechanism universal by providing both vertical and horizontal adjustment capabilities through the same front panel access opening. The single access point serves multiple functions: vertical positioning, horizontal positioning, and alignment adjustment. This multi-functional approach increases adaptability to various wall conditions without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic adjustment capability in both vertical and horizontal directions, allowing the panel to be adapted to non-vertical and non-aligned walls. The regulation screws and mechanism are designed to provide continuous adjustment range in multiple directions, transforming a static single-axis system into a dynamic multi-axis system that can accommodate varying wall conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Shape

If regulation screws are accessed through rear panel, then front appearance is maintained, but access to regulation organs is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefront appearanceVSAvoidregulation accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the access location from rear panel to front panel, making the regulation screws and mechanism directly accessible from the visible side. This eliminates the need to access the rear panel for regulation, providing full accessibility to all regulation organs through the front panel openings while maintaining aesthetic appearance through proper design of the openings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

Enables versatile and precise positioning of panels in multiple directions without visible holes on the panel, facilitating assembly and alignment of panels on any wall surface without compromising aesthetics or structural integrity.

Implementation Method 1

a screw which moves a slide thus allowing the vertical movement of the panel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

a regulation screw (10) destined for moving the coupling (12) horizontally

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP3248505B1Anchoring device for panels
Publication Date: 2021.04.28 LEONARDO
  • EP3248505B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3248505B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3248505B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

An adjustable anchoring device (1C) for the wall assembly (M) of coating panels (P), comprising an anchoring plaque (2C) to a panel (P) and a coupling (12C) for anchoring to a wall (M), said device (1C) comprises a slide (5C) sliding linearly with respect to said plaque (2C), in a first direction, said coupling (12C) being at least partially associated with said slide (5C) and movable with respect to the latter in at least a second direction, substantially perpendicular with respect to said first direction.