Planter Edging Panels With Hidden Interlocking Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial planters require robust boundary walls that can withstand significant loads and resist deformation, yet existing edging systems are labor-intensive to assemble and often need additional foundations, especially in contexts like roofs or balconies where suitable foundations are not readily available.
Innovation Solution
A planter edging system with edging panels that use interlocking flanges and gussets anchored within the planting area, combined with a panel connector and locking member, allowing for quick assembly without bolts or screws, and utilizing base plates loaded by the planter contents to provide stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If steel edging panels are coupled using complementary interlocking formations at the end of each panel, then assembly speed is improved, but the outer surface continuity is damaged and aesthetics are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking formation is extracted from the outer surface and relocated to the internal structure. The panel connector with locking protrusions engages with locking apertures inside the panel thickness, removing the visual discontinuity from the exterior while maintaining the rapid assembly benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel connector acts as an intermediary component that joins panels internally. It includes locking protrusions that engage with locking apertures in the end flanges, providing a hidden connection mechanism that preserves outer surface continuity while enabling quick assembly.
2Strength
If structural gussets are welded to the inner surface of the boundary wall to extend perpendicularly inwardly, then structural strength is improved, but assembly time increases due to welding and foundation attachment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Welding is replaced with a mechanical locking system. The panel connector uses locking protrusions that engage with locking apertures in the end flanges, providing a bolt-free, tool-free mechanical connection that is both strong and rapid to assemble.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking apertures and locking protrusions are pre-formed during manufacturing, eliminating the need for on-site welding or foundation attachment. The gussets and panel connectors are designed to be assembled directly into the existing structure without requiring additional foundation work.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional edging systems are used that require separate foundations for gusset attachment, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity and installation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The end flanges serve multiple functions: they provide the boundary wall connection, incorporate locking apertures for rapid assembly, and act as integral attachment points for panel connectors. This eliminates the need for separate foundations while maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The foundation attachment function is merged into the panel connector system itself. The locking protrusions and apertures create an integrated connection system that combines the gusset attachment and panel joining functions, eliminating the need for separate foundation structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A planter edging system with a set of edging panels is described. Each panel includes: a planter wall having an inner surface, the inner surface having longitudinal edges connected by side edges; and an end flange extending along each side edge of the inner surface of the planter wall, each end flange defining an outwardly-directed mating face arranged to engage a mating face of an adjacent edging panel, each mating face including multiple locking apertures. The system further includes: a gusset configured to hold one or more of the edging panels upright; a panel connector comprising multiple locking protrusions, each locking protrusion being arranged for insertion through locking apertures of engaged end flanges of adjacent edging panels; and a locking member arranged to engage at least one of the locking protrusions of the panel connector to resist retraction of the or each locking protrusion through the respective locking apertures.