Panel Interconnection Bracketing System for Foldable Buildings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current interconnection systems for pre-fabricated, foldable, portable buildings are not maximally efficient in space use, provide inadequate fixation, result in weak connections, and fail to adequately seal or insulate between panel assemblies, leading to unwanted heat transfer and fluid flow.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising bracketing bodies with planar members and thermal insulating bodies that allow for a fastenerless connection between panel assemblies, enabling rotational movement and secure fixation while preventing heat transfer and fluid flow through the use of insulating volumes and sealing elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If current interconnection systems are used for panel assemblies, then the structure can be folded and assembled, but the connections are weak and fixation is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnection system is divided into separate functional components: bearing members for rotation, locking members for fixation, and thermal insulation elements for sealing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, with the locking member providing robust fixation and the bearing member enabling controlled rotation, thereby resolving the contradiction between connection strength and fixation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal insulation element is nested within the interconnection structure, fitting into the space between panel assemblies. This nesting approach provides thermal insulation and sealing without adding external complexity, while the locking member nests within the bearing member assembly to provide secure fixation. This principle resolves the contradiction by integrating multiple functions into a compact, space-efficient structure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If panel assemblies are interconnected without adequate sealing, then the structure remains simple, but heat transfer and fluid flow occur between panels
Solution Approach 1:
A thermal insulation element acts as an intermediary component between adjacent panel assemblies, filling the gap and preventing direct thermal contact and fluid flow. This intermediary element resolves the contradiction by providing effective sealing and thermal insulation while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that integrates seamlessly with the existing panel assembly design.
3Reliability
If the interconnection system uses more materials for robust connections, then fixation improves, but space efficiency and weight are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnection system incorporates a bearing member that enables rotational movement between panel assemblies, allowing the structure to be dynamically folded into a compact collapsed configuration for transport. The locking member provides static fixation when in use. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by enabling the structure to transition between a compact collapsed state for space efficiency and an expanded fixed state for robust connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member extends in a dimension perpendicular to the panel assembly surface, providing fixation through a different spatial approach rather than adding material volume within the panel plane. This dimensional change allows robust fixation without increasing the collapsed volume, as the locking mechanism operates in a separate spatial dimension that does not contribute to the folded structure's footprint.
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 system optimizes space use, provides robust and secure connections, and enhances thermal insulation and sealing between panel assemblies, improving the structural integrity and efficiency of foldable building designs.
Implementation Method 1
a first thermal insulating body positioned between and separates the first and third bracketing bodies, and a second thermal insulating body positioned between and separates the second and fourth bracketing bodies
Data Source
AI summary
A system for interconnecting multiple panel assemblies comprising a first bracketing body having a first bearing member and at least one planar member; a second bracketing body having a second bearing member pivotally engaged with the first bearing member and at least one planar member; a third bracketing body having at least one planar member; a fourth bracketing body having at least one planar member; a first panel receiving volume at least partially defined by the at least one planar member of the first and third bracketing bodies; a second panel receiving volume at least partially defined by the at least one planar members of the second and fourth bracketing bodies; and wherein the at least one planar members of the second and fourth bracketing bodies at least partially define a second panel receiving volume. According to another aspect of the present invention, a first thermal insulating body is positioned between and separates the first and third bracketing bodies, and a second thermal insulating body positioned between and separates the second and fourth bracketing bodies. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a fastenerless connection is provided between surfaces of the system and the panel assemblies.