Panel Mount With Lateral Fastening Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing panel systems face challenges such as time-consuming fastener application, potential damage to panels during fastening, and loosening of fasteners leading to instability in panel structures.
Innovation Solution
A panel mount system featuring an elongate body with spaced fastening elements that apply a lateral outward force to panel members, providing a holding force sufficient to secure panels against various weights and allowing for easy removal and re-use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fasteners (screws and rivets) are used to secure panel members, then the panels can be held in position, but the fastening process becomes time-consuming and requires additional fastening components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the separate fastener components (screws, rivets) from the system. The panel mount itself is designed with integrated fastening elements that directly engage with the panel members, removing the need for additional fastening components and simplifying the overall structure while maintaining secure holding capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the mounting function and fastening function into a single integrated panel mount structure. The fastening elements are built-in features of the mount rather than separate components, combining multiple functions into one element to reduce assembly complexity and time
2Reliability
If traditional fasteners are applied to secure panel members, then the panels can be held firmly, but the fasteners may damage the panels during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces an intermediary mechanism where the panel mount structure itself acts as the mediating element between the mounting system and the panel members. The integrated fastening elements engage with the panels in a controlled manner, distributing forces evenly and avoiding concentrated stress points that could cause damage to the panel surfaces
3Reliability
If traditional fasteners are used to secure panel members, then the panels can be held in position, but the fasteners are subject to loosening causing panels to rattle or fall apart
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the mounting and fastening functions into a single integrated structure, eliminating separate fasteners that can loosen. The built-in fastening elements maintain consistent engagement with the panel members through the design of the mount structure itself, preventing the loosening issues that plague traditional separate fastener systems
Solution Approach 2:
The panel mount structure provides self-service by incorporating its own fastening capability. The integrated fastening elements automatically maintain engagement with the panel members through the structural design, eliminating the need for additional locking mechanisms or maintenance to prevent loosening
4Reliability
If separate fasteners are used for panel mounting, then the panels can be secured, but the system becomes more complex and requires multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the separate fastener components from the system, leaving only the essential panel mount structure. The mounting and fastening functions are consolidated into a single element, reducing the total number of components and simplifying the system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple functions (mounting, fastening, securing) into a single integrated panel mount structure. This consolidation reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for multiple separate components while maintaining all necessary securing capabilities
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 panel mount system effectively secures panel members against significant forces, including those equivalent to 5 to 30kg weights, without requiring additional fasteners and allows for easy re-use and installation.
Implementation Method 1
the members for bearing against the inner surfaces of the panel member to apply the engaging force in a direction laterally outwardly relative to the panel member
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
In one preferred form there is provided a panel mount (10). The panel mount (10) comprises an elongate body (14) having a plurality of openings (16) spaced along the elongate body (14). In the panel mount (10) a mount (18) is located opposite each opening (16) for being received by a panel member (20) extending through the opening (16). Each mount (18) is configured for engaging at least one inner surface (22) of the panel member (20) to apply an engaging force that is directed laterally outwardly, relative to the panel member (20), when the panel member (20) extends through the opening and engages the mount (18).