Modular Panel Retainer With Deformable Body Groove
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wall covering systems are difficult to modify, rearrange, or change once installed, as all panels are linked together, requiring the removal and reinstallation of many panels to make changes.
Innovation Solution
A modular panel system with panel retainers mounted to a surface and panels connected in a removable fashion using deformable bodies and grooves, allowing for independent placement and repositioning of panels without affecting adjacent ones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If panels are installed using progressive installation with adjacent panels linked together, then the panels are securely attached to the wall, but it becomes difficult to replace, rearrange or change the orientation of the panels
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the panel attachment mechanism into separate components: panel retainers mounted to the wall and panels with engagement features. Each panel engages with the wall through its own retainer rather than being mechanically linked to adjacent panels, enabling independent removal and reconfiguration while maintaining secure attachment.
2Ease of manufacture
If panels are linked together through progressive installation, then the installation process is simplified, but changing one panel requires removing and reinstalling many or all panels
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the attachment system so that each panel interacts independently with wall-mounted retainers, the patent eliminates the need to remove adjacent panels during modifications. This segmentation maintains installation simplicity while dramatically reducing modification time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a modular panel system with removable connections is used, then panels can be easily removed and repositioned, but the connection mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex connection mechanism from the panels themselves and places it in separate wall-mounted retainers. The panels carry only simple engagement features (tongues, grooves, or deformable bodies), while the retainers contain the sophisticated locking and retention mechanisms, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining repositionability.
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 easy removal, replacement, and reorientation of panels without needing to remove or reinstall adjacent panels, providing flexibility in design and configuration.
Implementation Method 1
the interaction of at least one deformable body and at least one groove facilitates connecting the panel to the panel retainer in a removable fashion
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for installing one or more modular panels onto a wall or other surface. Such systems may include at least one panel retainer mounted to a substantially vertical surface and at least one panel connected to the panel retainer in a removable fashion. In these systems, the interaction of at least one deformable body and at least one groove facilitates connecting the panel to the panel retainer in a removable fashion.