Prefabricated Panel Coupling Clamp for Fast Structural Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for coupling prefabricated building panels to structures require precise alignment and manufacturing of individual components, leading to delays and inefficiencies, and often result in misalignments that increase construction time and carbon footprint.
Innovation Solution
A coupling mechanism comprising a first and second member, biased together with a fastener, allowing for rapid and precise clamping of prefabricated panels to structural components without the need for precise alignment, using a self-tapping fastener and pivoting second member to accommodate various structural profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If precise alignment and manufacturing of individual components is used for coupling prefabricated panels, then coupling precision is improved, but construction time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into separate components: a coupling member with bore, a panel interface with protrusion, and a structural component interface. These segmented parts can be manufactured independently with standard tolerances and assembled through simple insertion and rotation movements, eliminating the need for precise pre-alignment while maintaining coupling precision
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism incorporates dynamic elements including a rotatable protrusion that can pivot between engaged and disengaged positions, and a bore that accepts the protrusion at various orientations. This dynamic design allows workers to easily align and secure panels without requiring precise pre-positioning, significantly improving construction speed while maintaining coupling integrity
2Measurement precision
If precise alignment is required for coupling components, then coupling accuracy is improved, but construction time and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is designed to be self-aligning through its geometric features: the protrusion automatically finds its position within the bore through simple insertion, and the rotational capability allows self-adjustment to the correct orientation. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for time-consuming precision measurement and adjustment operations, reducing construction time while maintaining coupling accuracy
3Strength
If weld connections are used for coupling panels, then structural strength is improved, but precision and alignment quality worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the welding process with a mechanical coupling system consisting of a protrusion inserted into a bore and secured through rotation. This mechanical substitution eliminates the heat-affected zone and distortion associated with welding, providing both sufficient joint strength and precise alignment without the need for skilled welders or complex positioning fixtures
4Productivity
If prefabricated panels are used to reduce construction time, then productivity is improved, but coupling complexity and alignment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member is designed as a universal component that can interface with various panel types and structural components through its standardized bore and protrusion geometry. This multi-functional design simplifies the overall coupling system despite the use of prefabricated panels, as the same basic coupling mechanism can accommodate different configurations without requiring complex specialized components
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments provide systems and methods for coupling prefabricated panels to a structure. One example system provides a system for coupling a prefabricated panel to a structure. The system may comprise a first member. The first member may be couplable to a framing structure of the prefabricated panel. The system may also comprise a second member. The second member may pivot relative to the first member. The system may also comprise a fastener. The fastener may be configured to bias the first and second members together such that a component of the structure is at least partially receivable between the first and second members and tightening the fastener reduces a distance between the first and second members.