Plastic Tile Clip Assembly for Tool-Free Wall Panel Mounting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wall panel systems require tools and metal fasteners for installing modular tiles, which can generate vibration noise and complicate the installation process.
Innovation Solution
The use of plastic tile clips that securely hold tiles on a support frame without the need for fasteners, utilizing a flexible attachment arm that engages with the frame's slots to prevent tipping and rotation, allowing tool-less installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal fasteners and tools are used to install modular tiles, then the tiles can be securely attached to the support frame, but the installation process becomes complex and generates vibration noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates metal fasteners and tools from the tile installation system, replacing them with an integrated plastic tile clip that combines attachment and tile-holding functions into a single component that installs without separate fasteners or tools
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the tile attachment function and tile-holding function into a single integrated tile clip component, eliminating the need for separate metal fasteners and reducing installation complexity
2Reliability
If metal fasteners are used to attach tiles, then secure attachment is achieved, but vibration noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to plastic for the attachment component, which fundamentally alters the vibration characteristics and eliminates the harmful vibration noise generated by metal fasteners while maintaining attachment security
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of vibration noise by using plastic material that naturally dampens vibrations, transforming the attachment system from a noise-generating metal system to a noise-reducing plastic system
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple installers and tools are required for tile installation, then proper installation can be achieved, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service installation where a single installer can easily attach tiles using the integrated tile clip system without requiring tools or multiple installers, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining quality
Solution Approach 2:
The tile clip is pre-designed and pre-assembled as an integrated unit that is ready for immediate installation, eliminating the need for on-site assembly or tool preparation and enabling quick single-person installation
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
Facilitates quick and tool-free installation of tiles, reducing vibration noise and simplifying the installation process while maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The attachment between the first end of the attachment arm and the base is flexible to allow the spacing between the second end of the attachment arm and the base to change
Implementation Method 2
The tile clip allows for a fastening system without any metal, which reduces vibration noise that can be generated by external vibrations
Data Source
AI summary
A tile clip for use in supporting a tile of a wall panel system. The wall panel system includes a plurality of wall panels that each include a support frame and one or a pair of tiles. The support frame includes a series of spaced attachment slots formed in the vertical posts of the frame. One or more tile clips can be installed on each of the vertical posts by inserting the tile clip into one of the attachment slots. The tile clip includes a base and a perpendicular end wall that includes an engagement lip. An attachment arm of the tile clip flexes to initially receive a side wall of the vertical post and holds the tile clip in place along the vertical post. The engagement lip contacts one edge of the tile to hold the tile in place on the vertical post.