Protective Clip Assembly for Stable Movable Partition Panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Movable partitions with sharp edges and corners pose a risk of injury, and existing sweep clips do not adequately address the need for a secure and stable attachment that covers these hazards while also accommodating a sweep strip for sealing purposes.

Innovation Solution

The development of protective clips with a base member and back portion that includes tabs to securely attach to the panel, providing mechanical stability and covering the bottom surface, while also incorporating a guard portion to protect edges and corners, and an attachment feature for a sweep strip, all without the need for multiple fasteners.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing protective clips are used to cover sharp edges and attach sweep strips, then the partition provides basic protection and sealing, but the clips are not adequately stable and require multiple fasteners for assembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of protective clipVSAvoidnumber of fasteners required

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated protective clip structure that simultaneously covers sharp edges, attaches sweep strips, and provides mechanical stability through its tab-and-channel engagement system, eliminating the need for multiple separate fasteners

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective clip design incorporates self-aligning tabs that fit into channels on the panel, creating a self-positioning mechanism that enhances stability without requiring additional fastening operations or complex assembly procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Object-affected harmful factors

If protective clips are designed to cover sharp edges and corners, then safety is improved, but the clips may not adequately protect edges and corners simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinjury risk from sharp edgesVSAvoidcoverage of edges and corners

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The protective clip features a guard portion with specific geometric shaping that provides enhanced coverage and protection at critical locations such as edges and corners, while maintaining adequate protection across the entire bottom surface of the panel

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The protective clip is divided into functional segments including a base member for attachment, a guard portion for edge protection, and tab structures for positioning, allowing each segment to perform its specific protective function effectively

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20140190091A1Movable partitions, panel assemblies, and methods of attaching protective clips to panels of movable partitions

Publication Date: 2014.07.10 WON DOOR CORP

AI summary

Panel assemblies for movable partitions include a panel and a protective clip covering at least a portion of a bottom surface of the panel. The panel includes channels defined between lateral edge portions and a back side surface of the panel. Tabs of the protective clip are positioned within corresponding channels. Movable partitions include at least one panel and at least one protective clip, which is assembled with the at least one panel and is coupled to a back side surface of the at least one panel. Tabs of the back portion of the at least one protective clip are inserted at least partially within two opposing channels of the at least one panel. Methods of attaching a protective clip to a panel of a movable partition include positioning tabs extending from longitudinal ends of the back portion of the protective clip within channels of the panel.