Quick-Roll Mounting Bracket for Low-Friction Modular Panel Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of modular panels faces challenges such as high friction at metal-to-metal interfaces, misalignment of alignment rails, and difficulty in installing and removing panels due to the use of steel-to-steel interfaces, which increases the work required and complicates the process.
Innovation Solution
A quick roll mounting bracket with wheels or rollers is introduced, secured to the modular panels or alignment rails, allowing for easier sliding and alignment, reducing friction and facilitating the installation and removal of panels by providing a rolling interface that can overcome misalignments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a steel-to-steel interface is used for mounting brackets and alignment rails, then structural strength and durability are improved, but friction increases making installation and removal difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A roller element is introduced as an intermediary between the mounting bracket and alignment rail. The roller has a wheel support portion that contacts the alignment rail and a panel contact portion that interfaces with the modular panel, converting direct metal-to-metal sliding contact into rolling contact to reduce friction during installation and removal while maintaining structural strength
2Duration of action of stationary object
If a steel-to-steel interface is used for mounting brackets and alignment rails, then durability is improved, but the work required to slide panels increases
Solution Approach 1:
The roller element serves as a mediator that converts sliding friction into rolling friction between the wheel support portion and alignment rail, significantly reducing the work required to move panels during installation while the mounting bracket structure maintains durability through its robust construction
Solution Approach 2:
The contact interface parameters are changed from direct metal-to-metal sliding contact to roller-mediated rolling contact, altering the friction characteristics and reducing the force and work required to install and remove panels while maintaining system durability
3Manufacturing precision
If misalignment of alignment rails occurs, then manufacturing tolerances are exceeded, but the rigid steel interface prevents accommodation of misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The roller element introduces dynamic capability to the mounting system, allowing the wheel support portion to roll and adjust along the alignment rail, enabling the system to accommodate misalignment between rails while the mounting bracket maintains its structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The roller acts as an intermediary that absorbs and compensates for misalignment between the mounting bracket and alignment rail through rolling motion, allowing the system to tolerate manufacturing tolerances and rail misalignment without compromising installation feasibility
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 quick roll mounting bracket reduces the work required to couple and align modular panels, improves the ease of installation and removal, and ensures proper alignment by allowing the wheels to roll over misalignments, thus addressing the issues of friction and misalignment.
Implementation Method 1
The inventive roller bracket helps guide the modular panel during the coupling process by providing at least one wheel or a rolling interface to an otherwise metallic or metal-to-metal interface
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates generally to a mounting bracket for a modular panel. More particularly, the invention encompasses a quick roll mounting bracket for modular panels. The quick roll mounting bracket for a modular panel provides an easier/improved means for an installer to install a modular panel and to electrically and mechanically couple the modular panels together. The inventive roller bracket helps guide the modular panel during the coupling process by providing at least one wheel or a rolling interface to an otherwise metallic or metal-to-metal interface. The wheel or a rolling interface could be secured to the modular panel via at least one mounting bracket or via at least one spacer or at least one emboss.