Sheet-like Panel Fixing Piece for Fence Profile Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for fixing mesh panels to enclosure profiles are either invasive, requiring screws or nails that can damage the profile and pose safety risks, or require multiple pieces that can be lost, and do not allow for easy installation at angles.

Innovation Solution

A sheet-like fixing piece with curved and straight sections that fits into the profile's core and wings, allowing rotation and accommodation of the panel's rod without external fasteners, ensuring secure, safe, and versatile installation at various angles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cable ties or screwed elements are used to fix mesh panels to profiles, then the fixing is secure and mechanically resistant, but additional external elements are required which increase device complexity and may be lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixing securityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing piece merges the functions of multiple separate components (locking mechanism, fastening element, and angle adjustment feature) into a single integrated piece that fits within the profile groove, eliminating the need for separate screws, nuts, or multiple housing components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing piece is designed as a universal component that can accommodate panels at various angles (including perpendicular and inclined positions) and works with both flat and folded panels, replacing the need for angle-specific adapters or additional adjustment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If nails are used on the clip to prevent sliding, then the fixing is secure against movement, but the nails generate damage due to scratches on the profile and represent a danger to the installer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanti-sliding capabilityVSAvoidprofile damage and installer safety

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention converts the potential harm of sharp elements into a benefit by using the elastic deformation capability of the fixing piece itself to create friction-based anti-sliding resistance, eliminating the need for nails while maintaining secure positioning and preventing profile damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing piece uses its own elastic properties to generate the necessary friction and mechanical resistance against sliding, without requiring separate fastening elements like nails that could damage the profile or pose safety risks to installers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If special pieces are added to allow panel installation at angles, then the adaptability for different panel configurations is improved, but the device complexity and number of required components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanel angle configurationVSAvoidnumber of special pieces

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing piece incorporates a universal design with a housing dimension that allows the panel rod to rotate internally, enabling the same component to accommodate panels at various angles (perpendicular, inclined, and folded configurations) without requiring angle-specific adapters or additional special pieces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If two complementary pieces are used for fixing, then the reliability of the fixing mechanism is improved, but the possibility of losing one of the pieces increases and the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixing mechanism stabilityVSAvoidloss of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the functions of two separate complementary pieces (locking piece and fastening piece) into a single integrated fixing piece that performs both locking and fastening functions simultaneously, eliminating the risk of losing separate components while maintaining fixing stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3904622B1Device for fixing a panel to a fence post

Publication Date: 2023.11.08 MOREDA - RIVIERE TREFILERIAS

Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4.1~4.3

AI summary

Piece (1) for fixing a panel (2) to an enclosure profile (3), wherein the panel (2) has an end vertical rod (4.1); and the piece (1) comprises a central section (8), a first face (9) configured to be coupled to the core (3.1) of the profile (3) by said central section (8) and a second opposite face (10) and at least a first housing (12) of a vertical rod having such a dimension that it allows its rotation, wherein the first and second lateral ends (6, 7) form fitting means in the respective projections (3.3) of the wings (3.2) of the profile (3), wherein the first lateral end (6) is substantially straight and perpendicular to the central section (8), and, the second lateral end (7) is curved, both oriented in the opposite direction to the first face (9).