Panel Fixing Set with Rib-Groove Feedback for Secure Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing secret panel fixing sets, such as keyhole plate and finger plate fixings, face challenges in providing a secure and easy-to-use mechanism for attaching panels to substrates, with issues like equivocal engagement and the need for careful adjustment to ensure proper fit.
Innovation Solution
A secret panel fixing set comprising a retaining member with a groove and a receiving member with a rib, where the rib is slideably insertable into the groove, providing an elastic retaining force that inhibits movement and offers feedback during fastening and unfastening, allowing for compact and flexible panel-to-substrate attachment configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a keyhole plate fixing set is used, then the panel can be fastened to the substrate, but the screw needs to be carefully adjusted to get an acceptable fit and the engagement is not clearly confirmable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual feedback through the visible portion of the rib protruding from the groove to indicate engagement status. When the rib is fully inserted into the groove, it provides a clear visual signal that fastening is complete, eliminating the need for careful adjustment and providing immediate confirmation of proper fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism where the relative position of the rib and groove provides visual information about the fastening state. The visible rib acts as a mechanical indicator that gives real-time feedback on whether the panel is properly engaged with the substrate, allowing installers to confirm correct installation without additional tools or adjustments.
2Reliability
If a finger plate fixing set is used, then the panel can be attached to the substrate, but the engagement is relatively equivocal making it difficult to confirm correct fixing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs visual indication through the rib-groove interaction. The rib, when engaged with the groove, provides a visible signal that can be seen by the installer. This visual feedback mechanism transforms the invisible mechanical engagement into a detectable state, allowing easy confirmation that the panel is correctly fixed without requiring specialized tools or complex inspection procedures.
3Reliability
If the rib is made with reduced-width opening, then a retaining force is provided to inhibit movement, but the fastening and unfastening operations require overcoming this elastic force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an elastic rib that can dynamically change its stiffness characteristics. During fastening, the rib flexes to allow insertion, then returns to its original shape to provide retaining force. This dynamic behavior allows the same component to facilitate easy installation while maintaining secure retention, resolving the contradiction between operational ease and retaining force.
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 enhances the operational ease and security of panel attachment by providing a clear feedback mechanism and flexible configurations, ensuring reliable fastening and unfastening while maintaining a low profile and compact design.
Implementation Method 1
the other one of the rib and the groove comprises one or more elastically moveable elements shaped to provide an opening which is of reduced width compared to the maximum width of the aperture, measured parallel to the opening, the reduced-width opening being configured to provide a retaining force which inhibits the retaining member from being moved relative to the receiving member in a second direction
Data Source
Figure 1a~1e
Figure 2a~2e
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
A panel fixing set for fixing a panel to a substrate, comprising a retaining member (100) and a receiving member (100). The retaining member comprises: an abutting surface (106), which is fixable to a surface of one of a substrate and a panel that are to be fastened together; and one of a rib and a groove (104). The receiving member (200) comprises: at least one abutting surface (210), which is fixable to a surface of the other one of the substrate and the panel; the other one of the rib (208) and the groove; and an aperture (202) for accommodating the retaining member. The other one of the rib and the groove comprises elastically moveable elements shaped to provide an opening (204) which is of reduced width compared to the maximum width of the aperture, measured parallel to the opening, the reduced-width opening being configured to provide a retaining force which inhibits movement of the retaining member.