Panel Locking Spring with Pre-Assembled Resilient Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mechanical connections for panels require overcoming the spring force of a locking spring for locking, and additional rows of panels are necessary for secure locking, which limits flexibility in assembly and correction processes.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical connection system with a profiling on panels that allows adjacent panels to be locked without overcoming the spring force, featuring a locking spring with a resilient arm that can be displaced into a locking position behind a locking edge, enabling secure locking without additional rows, and allowing for manual triggering or automatic engagement with further panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking spring is used to lock panels vertically, then secure locking is achieved, but the spring force must be overcome during assembly which complicates the installation process
Solution Approach 1:
The locking spring is pre-assembled in the retaining groove during manufacturing, positioned in a relaxed state that allows easy panel insertion. The spring is prepared in advance to engage automatically with the locking edge when the panel is lowered, eliminating the need for operators to manually overcome spring force during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking spring is designed to automatically engage with the locking edge of the adjacent panel through its own resilient properties. When the panel is lowered onto the first panel, the spring self-activates by jumping out of the retaining groove and locking behind the locking edge, without requiring external actuation or manual intervention to overcome spring force.
2Reliability
If conventional locking springs are used, then vertical locking is achieved, but additional rows of panels are required to ensure secure locking
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted from the panel structure itself and assigned to a dedicated locking spring mechanism. This separate, specialized component provides reliable locking without requiring the panel structure to be more complex or to use additional rows of panels for securing the connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking spring is designed with specific geometric parameters including the stroke length (at least 1mm), the shape of the retaining groove, and the positioning of the locking edge to ensure reliable engagement. By optimizing these parameters, the spring achieves secure locking in a single row configuration without requiring additional panels.
3Ease of operation
If the locking spring is in a relaxed state in the retaining groove, then easy insertion is achieved, but active pushing is required to engage the locking mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The locking spring is pre-positioned in the retaining groove in a relaxed state that is opposite to the locked position. This preliminary positioning allows easy panel insertion, and the spring is designed to automatically transition from this relaxed state to the locked state through the mechanical action of panel installation, without requiring additional activation mechanisms.
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
Enables panels to be assembled without initial resistance from the locking spring, allowing for corrections before final locking, and ensures secure vertical locking with minimal displacement, facilitating easy installation and adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
a locking spring (19) on the first panel (1), which can be inserted into a retaining groove (18) in order to create a substantially vertically acting lock
Implementation Method 2
the locking spring is originally in the relaxed state in the retaining groove, then when pushed back tensioned and springs back when locking
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a mechanical connection for panels with the following features: a) The panels (1, 2) have a profile on their sides (1, 2) to be joined, by means of which adjacent first and second panels (1, 2) can be locked together in the assembly position; b) A locking spring (19) is inserted into a retaining groove (18) on the first panel (1) and can be partially displaced behind a locking edge (21) of the adjacent second panel (1, 2) when the panels (1, 2) are locked; c) The locking spring (19) has a locking element (20) which is designed to be displaced from a release position to a locking position in order to engage behind the locking edge (21) in the locking position; d) The locking element (20) is supported by at least one resilient arm (24) on at least one holder (25) which is held in the retaining groove (18);e) The locking element (20) is materially bonded to the holder (25) in the retaining groove (18) prior to assembly via shear connections, wherein the shear connections are designed to be destroyed when the locking element (20) is moved towards the at least one holder (25), wherein the approach is against the spring force of the at least one arm (24), wherein effective locking means are provided between the locking element (20) and the holder (25) which, in an inner, pre-tensioned position of the at least one arm (24), hold the locking element (20) in a releasable locking engagement with the holder (25);f) The at least one spring arm (24) can be released from the detent engagement in the inner, pre-tensioned position under the influence of a release force (A) acting on the locking element (20) in the longitudinal direction of the retaining groove (18), so that the locking element (20) can be partially displaced from the retaining groove (18) into the locking position under the influence of the restoring force of the at least one spring arm (24).