Panel Locking Spring With Pre-Tensioned Resilient Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical connections for panels require overcoming the spring force of a locking spring to lock panels longitudinally, and securing the lock often necessitates additional rows of panels or manual intervention, which can be inconvenient for adjustments or corrections.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical connection system with a locking spring that can be inserted into a retaining groove, featuring a resilient arm that is prestressed and can be triggered to lock vertically without immediate snapping, allowing panels to be assembled and adjusted before final locking, using a flexible rod design or latching mechanisms to facilitate easy engagement and release.
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 resists assembly and requires additional rows or manual intervention to engage
Solution Approach 1:
The locking spring is pre-loaded during panel manufacturing, storing elastic energy in advance. The locking element is pre-positioned in a retracted state within a recess, ready to engage. During assembly, panels are simply brought together and the pre-stored energy automatically activates the locking mechanism without requiring additional rows or manual intervention to overcome spring force.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking spring automatically engages the locking element when panels are assembled together. The spring force, pre-loaded during manufacturing, self-activates to push the locking element into the engagement position with the adjacent panel, eliminating the need for manual intervention or additional rows to trigger locking.
2Reliability
If the locking spring is immediately engaged during assembly, then locking is achieved, but adjustments and corrections cannot be made before final locking
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism features a dynamic state transition. During assembly, the locking element remains in a retracted, disengaged state within the recess, allowing panels to be positioned and adjusted freely. Once panels are correctly assembled, the mechanism automatically transitions to the engaged, locked state, providing both adjustability during assembly and secure locking after assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking spring is pre-loaded but the locking element is pre-positioned in a retracted state that allows free movement during assembly. This preliminary configuration enables adjustments to be made before final locking occurs automatically when panels are properly assembled together.
3Reliability
If additional rows of panels are added to achieve locking, then secure locking is ensured, but the process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The locking spring automatically engages the locking element when panels are assembled together. The pre-loaded spring force self-activates to push the locking element into the engagement position with the adjacent panel, eliminating the need for additional rows to trigger locking and significantly increasing installation speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is pre-configured during panel manufacturing with the spring pre-loaded and the locking element pre-positioned in the recess. This preliminary preparation enables immediate locking upon assembly of adjacent panels, eliminating the need for additional rows and accelerating the installation process.
4Reliability
If manual intervention is required to engage the locking spring, then locking can be achieved, but the process requires additional steps and time
Solution Approach 1:
The locking spring automatically engages the locking element when panels are assembled together. The pre-loaded spring force self-activates to push the locking element into the engagement position, eliminating manual intervention entirely and simplifying the assembly process to a single step of bringing panels together.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is pre-configured during manufacturing with the spring pre-loaded and the locking element pre-positioned. This preliminary preparation enables the locking mechanism to self-activate during assembly, eliminating manual intervention steps and reducing process complexity.
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 secure locking of panels without resisting the spring force during assembly, allowing for adjustments and corrections before final locking, and can be triggered manually or by additional panels, ensuring reliable vertical and horizontal locking without additional rows.
Implementation Method 1
a locking spring (19), in particular made of plastic, which can be inserted into a retaining groove (18) of the first panel (1)
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~10
AI summary
Mechanical connection for panels with the following features: a) The panels (1, 2) have a profile on their sides (3, 4) to be joined, by means of which the adjacent first and second panels (1, 2) can be locked together in the installation 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 connected via at least one resilient arm (24) to at least one holder (25) which is held in the retaining groove (18);e) The locking element (20), the at least one spring arm (24), and the at least one retainer (25) adjoining the at least one arm (24) are formed as a single piece; f) The spring arm (24) is in an inner, pre-tensioned position in the release position of the locking spring (19); g) The at least one spring arm (24) can be released from the inner, pre-tensioned position by the influence of a release force 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 by the influence of the restoring force of the at least one spring arm (24).