Floating Panel Clip System Prevents Detachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing floating wall and ceiling covering systems are prone to unintentional detachment, leading to a domino effect where large sections or the entire panel surface can fall off, due to limited movement and securing difficulties.

Innovation Solution

A method and mounting system that uses panels connected via adhesive-free locking profiles with a movable mounting clip system, incorporating fall protection mechanisms to prevent panel detachment, allowing panels to move freely in four directions while securing them against accidental release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If panels are connected using only locking profiles without additional fall protection, then the installation remains floating and movable, but the panels become prone to unintentional detachment and domino effects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefloating installation capabilityVSAvoidpanel detachment prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fall protection mechanism is segmented into separate functional components: the mounting clip with holder attached to the first panel, and the second panel with locking profiles. This segmentation allows the first panel to remain movable while the second panel is secured against detachment through the interlocking locking profiles, resolving the contradiction between floating installation and detachment prevention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking profiles act as an intermediary mechanism between the first and second panels. These profiles transmit and distribute forces across the panel connection, providing mechanical interlocking that prevents unintentional detachment while maintaining the floating nature of the installation. The locking profiles mediate between the movable first panel and the secured second panel

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the clip holder is extended to allow greater transverse movement, then panel mobility increases, but the space available for securing mechanisms becomes severely limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransverse movement rangeVSAvoidclip holder space constraints
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The solution moves the securing mechanism from the横向 (transverse) dimension to the longitudinal dimension. Instead of expanding the clip holder laterally to provide more space, the locking profiles extend in the longitudinal direction, allowing the first panel to move transversely while the locking profiles provide securing in the longitudinal direction, thus resolving the space constraint

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

3Reliability

If panels are securely fixed to prevent any movement, then detachment prevention improves, but the panels cannot accommodate swelling and shrinking movements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetachment preventionVSAvoidswelling and shrinking accommodation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system employs dynamic characteristics where the first panel is movably mounted on the holder, allowing it to move transversely and accommodate swelling and shrinking movements. Simultaneously, the locking profiles provide dynamic securing that prevents detachment while permitting controlled movement, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3321441B1Clip system for panels
Publication Date: 2021.01.06 SWISS KRONO TEC AG
  • EP3321441B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3321441B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3321441B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and an assembly system for producing a floating ceiling or wall covering with panels connected via corresponding locking profiles, and a corresponding wall or ceiling covering. To secure the floating wall or ceiling covering against unintentional detachment, a fall protection device is provided before, simultaneously with, or after the panels are connected, which prevents the panels from coming loose.