Surface Panel Connectors With Adjustable Positioning and Locking
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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 necessitate precise cutting, fixing, and waiting for filler material to set before applying a decorative finish, limiting flexibility and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A connection system comprising male and female connectors that allow for two-dimensional movement and locking, featuring a projection and complementary receiving cavity, along with a friction lock assembly, enabling quick engagement and adjustment of surface panels with a support framework using a limited number of tools, and allowing panels to be easily detached.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional panel installation methods are used, then the panel can be securely fixed to the support framework, but the installation process becomes 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 assembly without requiring skilled labor for complex alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement projection of the male connector fits into the receiving cavity of the female connector, with the projection being movable between a positioning zone and a locking zone within the cavity. This nested structure allows for both initial positioning and subsequent locking in a single integrated mechanism, dramatically reducing installation time and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed panel installation is used, then the panel is securely attached, but flexibility in positioning is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement projection is designed to be movable within the receiving cavity, transitioning from a positioning zone where the panel can be adjusted to a locking zone where it is secured. This dynamic design provides both positioning flexibility during installation and connection stability once locked, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the state of the connection from movable to fixed by transitioning the engagement projection between different zones within the receiving cavity. This parameter change allows the same connection mechanism to provide both flexibility during positioning and stability during operation.
3Ease of repair
If permanent panel fixation is used, then the panel is securely mounted, but detachment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism allows the engagement projection to be moved between a locked position for secure mounting and an unlocked position for easy detachment. This dynamic design enables the same system to provide both strong permanent fixation during normal operation and easy removability when needed for repair or reconfiguration.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a connection system with a projection on a first connector and a cooperating 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.