Panelling Connector With Segmented Clip And Lateral Flange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional panelling systems are complex, expensive, and inconvenient to install, as they require specific intermediate components that are not flexible enough to accommodate various panel dimensions and shapes, and the alignment of panels is constrained by the alignment of supports.
Innovation Solution
A novel connector system that allows panels to be securely attached to elongate supports with flexible connectors, enabling panels to be aligned in any direction and accommodating different dimensions and shapes, using a first portion that clips into a central channel and a second portion with lateral flanges that insert into side grooves, allowing for easy installation and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional intermediate components are used to attach panels to supports, then the panels can be securely fixed, but the system becomes complex and expensive to manufacture and install
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two distinct portions: a first portion that clips into the central channel of the support, and a second portion with lateral flanges that insert into side grooves of the panel. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex intermediate components to bridge the support and panel, the invention inverts the approach by having the connector portions directly engage with pre-formed features (central channel and side grooves) on the support and panel themselves, eliminating the need for additional complex intermediaries.
2Ease of manufacture
If specific intermediate components are designed for predetermined panel dimensions, then manufacturing is simplified, but the system loses flexibility to accommodate various panel dimensions and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design with its first portion engaging the central channel and second portion with lateral flanges engaging side grooves creates a universal attachment mechanism that can accommodate panels of various dimensions and shapes. The same connector type works across different panel configurations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates resilient material in the first portion that can flex during insertion into the central channel, allowing the connector to adapt to slight variations in support and panel dimensions while maintaining a secure fit. This dynamic flexibility enables universal application across different panel sizes.
3Ease of operation
If panels are aligned perpendicular to supports using conventional components, then the installation follows a fixed pattern, but the alignment of panels is constrained by the alignment of supports
Solution Approach 1:
The connector's second portion with lateral flanges can be inserted into side grooves at various angles, allowing panels to be aligned in any direction relative to the supports. The resilient material enables the connector to flex and accommodate different alignment angles, providing rotational freedom that was constrained in conventional systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the alignment parameter from fixed perpendicular orientation to variable angular orientation. The connector design allows the panel to be aligned at any angle by adjusting the insertion angle of the lateral flanges into the side grooves, while the resilient first portion maintains secure connection to the support throughout the rotation.
4Reliability
If complex intermediate components are used in conventional systems, then panels can be attached securely, but the installation becomes time-consuming and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The two-portion connector design allows for simplified installation: the first portion clips into the pre-formed central channel of the support, and the second portion with lateral flanges inserts into the side grooves of the panel. This segmented approach eliminates complex assembly steps while maintaining secure attachment, significantly improving installation speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector portions are designed to self-align and self-secure during installation. The resilient first portion automatically flexes to engage the central channel, and the lateral flanges naturally guide themselves into the side grooves, reducing the skill level and time required for installation while ensuring reliable attachment.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A planar panelling arrangement comprising: a plurality of elongate supports aligned in parallel with each other, each support being a single integral component comprising, on one face of the support, a central channel aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support, the central channel having a longitudinal aperture which is narrower than the width of the inner walls of the channel; a plurality of connectors, each connector comprising a first portion and a second portion; a plurality of panels configured to be arranged to collectively form a planar surface, the sides of each panel comprising a side groove; wherein the first portion of the connector is configured to clip securely into the channel of the support, the second portion of the connector comprises at least one lateral flange configured to be inserted into the side groove of a panel.