Surface Panel Connector Locking for Fast Positioning and Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of surface panels in building structures is a time-consuming and specialized task that requires skilled labor, as existing systems lack flexibility and ease of use, particularly in positioning and detaching panels from support frameworks.
Innovation Solution
A connection system comprising male and female connectors with a movable receiving cavity and engagement projection, allowing for two-dimensional movement and locking, facilitated by a friction lock assembly and resilient gripping surfaces, enabling quick engagement and adjustment of panels with a support framework using a limited number of tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional panel installation methods are used, then panels can be securely fixed to support frameworks, but the installation process is time-consuming and requires skilled labor
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate male and female connectors that can be independently attached to the panel and support framework respectively. This segmentation allows each connector to be optimized for its specific function and enables quick attachment without requiring skilled labor for complex alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The male and female connectors act as intermediary components between the panel and support framework. These connectors provide standardized interfaces that simplify the connection process, allowing unskilled installers to quickly assemble panels without requiring specialized skills in structural alignment or fastening techniques.
2Adaptability or versatility
If panels are securely fixed to support frameworks, then structural stability is achieved, but flexibility in panel positioning is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system incorporates dynamic characteristics through the male-female connector interface, which allows for controlled movement and adjustment during installation. The connectors can be easily engaged and disengaged, enabling installers to adjust panel positions before final fixation, thus providing both flexibility during installation and stability once assembled.
3Ease of repair
If panels are permanently secured to support frameworks, then structural integrity is maintained, but ease of detachment and repositioning is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the connection system into separate male and female connectors with complementary interfaces, the design enables easy separation while maintaining strong connection during use. The segmented design allows panels to be detached by simply disengaging the connectors without requiring destructive methods or specialized tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design allows for easy disengagement and potential reuse of the male and female connectors. After panel detachment, the connectors can be recovered and reused in subsequent installations, reducing waste and lowering long-term installation costs while maintaining connection strength during each use cycle.
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 system allows unskilled installers to efficiently secure and position surface panels on support frameworks, offering flexibility in panel placement and easy detachment, thereby reducing installation time and labor requirements.
Implementation Method 1
resilient gripping surfaces, enabling quick engagement and adjustment of panels with a support framework
Implementation Method 2
the engagement projection and complementary receiving cavity being operable to secure a portion of the engagement projection in a positioning zone of the receiving cavity
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a connection system with a projection on a first connector and a co-operating cavity on a second connector to provide push-through connection of the connectors in first and second configurations in which the projection extends to first and second depths respectively within the cavity, wherein one or more of the projection or cavity is movable in two dimensions perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the projection when received in the cavity, wherein the first and second connectors have cooperating locking surfaces arranged to engage each other when the projection is received at the second depth to prevent said movement in two dimensions and wherein the cooperating locking surfaces do not engage each other so as to prevent said movement in two dimensions when the projection is received at the first depth in the receiving cavity.