Surface Panel Connectors With 2D Positioning and Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface panel installation in buildings is time-consuming and requires skilled labor, lacking flexibility in positioning and detachment from support frames.
Innovation Solution
A connection system comprising male and female connectors that allow two-dimensional movement and locking, utilizing flexible resilient surfaces and friction locks for easy engagement and secure attachment to support frameworks.
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 framework. This segmentation allows each connector to be optimized for its specific function and enables quick assembly without requiring skilled labor to perform complex installation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The connectors are designed to self-align and self-lock through complementary geometric features. The male connector's projection automatically engages with the female connector's cavity, and the T-shaped friction lock assembly automatically secures the connection when inserted into the channel, eliminating the need for skilled installation techniques.
2Reliability
If panels are firmly locked to support frameworks, then structural stability is achieved, but flexibility in positioning and ability to detach are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system incorporates a friction lock assembly that can transition between locked and unlocked states. When locked, the T-shaped projection engages with the channel walls to provide stable fixation. When unlocked, the projection can be withdrawn to allow panel repositioning or detachment, providing both stability and flexibility as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection state can be changed by applying force to overcome friction in the friction lock assembly. This parameter change allows the system to transition from a high-friction locked state (providing stability) to a low-friction unlocked state (providing flexibility for repositioning or detachment).
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 quick and tool-free installation by unskilled labor, offering flexible positioning and secure locking of surface panels, with the ability to detach as needed.
Implementation Method 1
at least one flexible resilient gripping surface configured to engage with the other engagement surface... said gripping surface deforms around at least one protrusion formed in the locking surface when in contact with the locking surface
Implementation Method 2
A friction lock assembly may extend from a surface of the male or female connector which is to face the channel formed in a beam of the support framework... This friction lock assembly may project into the channel, with the orientation of the assembly relative to the channel determining whether the connector is free to move along the channel or is locked in place
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3
Figure 4
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.