Panel Trough Barriers for Low-Resin Removable Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing panel support systems that use resin to secure panels in place are inefficient as they require a large amount of resin and make it difficult to remove panels once they are damaged.
Innovation Solution
A panel support system featuring a longitudinal trough with liquid resin retention units that include barriers to contain resin on one side, allowing for reduced resin usage and adjustable panel inclination, along with a method of attaching the trough to a surface, placing the panel on the retention units, introducing resin, and hardening it to secure the panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If resin is used to secure panels in place by filling the trough, then the panel is held securely, but a large amount of resin is required and panels cannot be removed easily if damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The retention unit is divided into multiple compartments using barriers, with each compartment capable of holding a small amount of resin. This segmentation allows the panel to be secured effectively while using significantly less resin overall compared to filling the entire trough.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the resin-containing function from the entire trough and concentrates it into specific retention units positioned at critical locations. This extraction eliminates the need to fill the whole trough with resin, reducing material quantity while maintaining security.
2Reliability
If resin is used to secure panels in place by filling the trough, then the panel is held securely, but panels cannot be removed easily if damaged
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting the resin containment function into removable retention units rather than using a continuous resin fill throughout the trough, the system enables easy panel removal. The retention units can be taken out, allowing damaged panels to be removed and replaced without dealing with hardened resin.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention units are designed to be removable and reusable. When panels need to be replaced, the retention units can be removed, the old panel discarded, and a new panel installed with the same retention units, facilitating easy repair and maintenance.
3Quantity of substance
If barriers are introduced to retain resin in specific areas, then resin quantity is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention units are designed as universal components that can be used in various positions along the trough and with different panel types. Each unit serves multiple functions: containing resin, providing structural support, and enabling panel removal. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple different components, thereby limiting complexity increase.
4Loss of substance
If liquid resin retention units with barriers are used, then resin waste is reduced, but the ease of operation decreases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The trough is segmented into multiple retention units that can be independently installed and filled with resin. This segmentation reduces resin waste because resin is only placed where needed in each compartment rather than filling the entire trough, and excess resin can be easily managed at each individual unit.
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
This solution allows for secure panel fixation with less resin, enabling easy adjustment and removal of panels, reducing resin waste and facilitating panel alignment and inclination adjustments before resin hardening.
Implementation Method 1
liquid resin retention units configured to receive a panel thereon... introducing resin... and hardening it to secure the panel
Data Source
AI summary
It is known to secure a panel 1 within a trough 3 by placing one edge of the panel 1 within the trough 3 and filling the trough with resin 21. Once hardened, the resin 21 holds the panel 1 in place securely. However, panels 1 thus secured cannot be removed easily if damaged. The present invention provides a barrier 11, 13 for preventing flow of liquid resin 21 along a length of a trough 3, and for receiving a panel 1 thereon. A panel 1 may therefore be secured within a trough 3 with a reduced amount of resin 21.