Panel Trough Resin Barriers for Secure Mounting and Easy Removal
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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.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If resin is used to secure panels in place within a trough, then panels are held securely, but panels cannot be removed easily if damaged and large amounts of resin are required
Solution Approach 1:
The retention unit is divided into multiple segments including a first retention portion, a second retention portion, and a release portion. The barriers create separate resin-containing spaces that can be independently managed. This segmentation allows the panel to be securely held by resin in one location while providing a separate release mechanism at another location, resolving the contradiction between secure holding and easy removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The release portion acts as an intermediary mechanism between the panel and the secure retention system. It provides a controlled interface where panels can be released from their secured position without requiring complete removal of the resin bonding, thus enabling easy panel replacement while maintaining secure installation during normal operation.
2Reliability
If resin is applied throughout the entire trough to secure panels, then panels are securely held, but large amounts of resin are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
Barriers divide the trough into separate sections, creating discrete resin-containing spaces. This segmentation allows resin to be applied only in specific locations where panel retention is needed, rather than throughout the entire trough length, significantly reducing resin waste while maintaining secure panel holding.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides different properties at different locations: barriers are present at specific locations to contain resin locally, while other portions of the trough remain open. This local quality approach ensures resin is applied only where needed for panel security, eliminating unnecessary resin application and reducing waste.
3Loss of substance
If barriers are added to create liquid resin retention units, then resin usage is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The barriers serve multiple functions simultaneously: they contain resin to reduce waste, provide structural support for the retention unit, define the boundaries of resin-containing spaces, and work with the release portion to enable panel removal. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving resin waste reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention unit merges several functions into a single integrated structure combining barriers, resin-containing spaces, and release mechanisms. By combining these elements into one unified retention unit rather than separate components, the system achieves resin containment and panel release capabilities without proportionally increasing overall device 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
The system securely holds panels with less resin, allowing for easy adjustment and removal of panels at various inclinations, reducing resin waste and facilitating panel replacement.
Implementation Method 1
liquid resin retention units configured to receive a panel thereon. The trough may be attached to a surface, the at least one liquid resin retention unit may be placed in the trough; the panel may be received on the at least one liquid resin retention unit; liquid resin may be introduced to one side of the at least one barrier; and the resin may be hardened.
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.