Panel Securement Assembly Using Nested Couplers and Catches
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an eco-friendly, efficient, and sustainable alternative to traditional building materials that reduces environmental impact and facilitates easy assembly and installation of building structures without the use of wood, steel, or concrete.
Innovation Solution
A securement system using a fastener array and catch array with couplers and catches to securely fasten panels, along with a flexible BFRP skirt for foundation, allowing panels to be assembled in situ or preassembled for easy installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional building materials (wood, steel, concrete) are used, then structural strength and stability are achieved, but environmental impact increases and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs BFRP (basalt fiber reinforced polymer) composite materials to replace traditional wood, steel, and concrete. BFRP panels provide the necessary structural strength while being environmentally friendly, non-corrosive, and sustainable. The composite nature of BFRP allows it to achieve high tensile strength comparable to steel while weighing significantly less and having a lower carbon footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The building structure is divided into modular panels that can be pre-assembled and then connected using the securement system. This segmentation allows for easier transportation, handling, and installation while maintaining overall structural integrity. The panels are connected through a specialized securement system rather than traditional heavy fastening methods.
2Ease of operation
If traditional building materials are used, then structural stability is achieved, but assembly and installation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The securement system components (couplers, catches, fasteners) are pre-configured and integrated into the panel designs. Corner elements include pre-positioned landing zones and nested catches. This preliminary preparation allows for quick assembly without complex field adjustments, while the precise engineering of connection points ensures structural stability is maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The securement system utilizes a nested arrangement where couplers fit into catches, and corner elements feature nested catches within landing zones. This nested design simplifies the connection process by providing intuitive, self-aligning interfaces that are easy to assemble while creating interlocking joints that ensure structural stability.
3Weight of moving object
If BFRP materials are used, then weight is reduced and environmental impact is minimized, but connection and fastening complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The securement system merges multiple functions into integrated components. The corner elements combine landing zones for extensions with nested catches for coupler reception. The coupler-catch system integrates fastening, alignment, and securing functions into a single interaction sequence. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall connection process despite the specialized nature of BFRP panels.
4Productivity
If modular panels are used, then assembly speed is increased, but connection reliability requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The securement system is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing. The nested catch and coupler arrangement automatically guides components into proper alignment during assembly. The corner elements with landing zones and nested catches provide self-positioning features that ensure reliable connections without requiring complex alignment procedures or additional fastening steps, thus maintaining both speed and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A securement system for securely affixing two or more panels to each other to form a building structure. The securement system includes a fastener array having an arrangement of one or more couplers and a catch array having a corresponding arrangement of one or more catches. The fastener array is configured to nestle with the catch array. The one or more catches are configured to receive and seat the one or more couplers to secure the fastener array and the catch array to each other and fasten a pair of adjoining panels to each other.