Panel Fixing Assembly Camming Connector for Stable Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching fin panels to overhead support structures are time-consuming, expensive, and difficult to implement stably, especially when panels need to be oriented other than horizontally or vertically, as they require numerous wires and complex fixing mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A panel fixing assembly featuring a connector with a camming body and platform portions that allow for easy attachment and detachment by rotating the connector about a fixing portion, which includes a camming surface mechanism to grip both the panel capping member and the overhead support structure, facilitating secure and efficient installation in various orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional vertical wires with multiple upper and lower fixings are used to suspend fin panels, then the panels can be attached to overhead support structures, but the installation becomes time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct functional segments: a fixing portion with fixing means for attachment to the overhead support structure, and a locating portion with locating means for engagement with the panel capping member. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing overall installation complexity and time while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector acts as an intermediary component between the overhead support structure and the panel capping member. It provides a standardized interface that simplifies the connection process, replacing the need for multiple wires and fixings with a single integrated component that achieves stable attachment quickly.
2Reliability
If traditional fixing methods are used to affix panels to the overhead support structure, then attachment is achieved, but the process becomes difficult and fiddly to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates self-aligning and self-gripping features through its camming mechanism. The camming surface automatically engages with the panel capping member when the connector is inserted, providing self-service functionality that eliminates the need for complex manual adjustment and difficult fixing operations while ensuring stable attachment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wires and fixing mechanisms are used to suspend fin panels, then the panels can be attached in various orientations, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed as a universal component that can accommodate panels in various orientations (horizontal, vertical, and intermediate angles). The fixing portion and locating portion work together to provide multi-functional capability, allowing the same connector design to be used for different panel orientations without increasing complexity, thereby achieving adaptability through a simple standardized interface.
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
The solution enables quick, cost-effective, and stable attachment of fin panels in non-traditional orientations, reducing installation time and complexity while providing a robust and aesthetically pleasing ceiling structure that can be configured in different layouts for acoustic treatment.
Implementation Method 1
the fixing portion includes a first camming body 33 extending outwardly at right angles to the longitudinal direction 28 in a vertical direction from one of the first 22 or second 24 planar surface and the camming body 33, 34 includes a base portion 35 extending in one direction from the first end portion 30, leading to a platform portion 36
Data Source
AI summary
A connector for connecting a panel member to an overhead support structure or cross support member includes an elongate planar body with a first planar surface and second planar surface separated by a thickness dimension, having side edges and end edges. Each end portion includes an enlarged partially rounded shape. The first end portion is a fixing portion and the second end portion is a locating portion. The fixing portion includes a fixing unit to removably affix one connector to the panel capping member, overhead support structure or cross support member. The fixing portion includes a first camming body extending outwardly, having a base portion extending from the first end portion, leading to a platform portion forming at least one recessed gap for locating the camming surfaces. The fixing portion includes a further fixing unit to affix the connector to the overhead support structure or panel capping member.