Resilient Locking Assembly for Fastener-Free Building Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modular building systems require complex tools and traditional mechanical fasteners for assembly, increasing complexity and costs.
Innovation Solution
A locking assembly comprising resiliently deformable components with specific surface profiles for frictional engagement, allowing secure attachment of building elements without traditional fasteners, and providing a watertight seal, which can be easily installed and uninstalled without specialized machinery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional mechanical fasteners (nails, rivets, screws, nuts and bolts) are used for assembly, then the structural integrity and secure attachment of building elements is achieved, but the device complexity and assembly costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fasteners (screws, bolts, nuts, rivets, nails) with a friction-based locking mechanism. The locking assembly uses frictional engagement between components with specific surface profiles to secure building elements, eliminating the need for threaded fasteners and their associated tools while maintaining structural integrity through frictional forces and geometric interlocking.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking assembly is designed to be self-securing through frictional engagement and geometric interlocking of components. The resiliently deformable third component automatically locks the first and second components together through friction-based engagement, requiring no additional fasteners or complex assembly tools, thereby simplifying the overall system.
2Reliability
If traditional mechanical fasteners are used for assembly, then secure attachment of building elements is achieved, but labor costs and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming mechanical fastening operations with a friction-based locking mechanism that can be assembled quickly. The locking assembly components engage through friction and geometric interlocking without requiring threading, tightening, or specialized tools, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining secure attachment through frictional forces and resilient deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes friction as the primary parameter for securing building elements, replacing the traditional parameter of mechanical thread engagement. By designing components with specific surface profiles that create frictional engagement, the system achieves secure attachment through controlled friction forces and geometric interlocking, enabling faster assembly without sacrificing reliability.
3Strength
If traditional mechanical fasteners are used, then structural connection is achieved, but visual appeal is compromised due to visible fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visible mechanical fasteners with a friction-based locking mechanism that can be designed to be less visually intrusive. The locking assembly uses frictional engagement and geometric interlocking to provide structural connection while maintaining cleaner aesthetics, as the connection mechanism can be integrated into the design of the building elements themselves rather than being added as separate visible fasteners.
4Manufacturing precision
If complex tools or machinery are used for assembly, then precise and secure attachment is achieved, but the ease of operation and installation simplicity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex assembly tools and machinery with a friction-based locking mechanism that can be installed by hand or with simple tools. The locking assembly components are designed with specific surface profiles that create frictional engagement and geometric interlocking, providing precise attachment without requiring specialized equipment, thereby improving ease of operation and installation simplicity.
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
Reduces assembly time and labor costs, eliminates the need for mechanical fasteners, and enhances the visual appeal and structural integrity of building systems by enabling secure and efficient engagement of building elements.
Implementation Method 1
the third component is resiliently deformable from a locked configuration to an unlocked configuration under application of force to the third component
Implementation Method 2
The second locking portion may be adapted for frictional engagement with the first locking portion
Implementation Method 3
The locking assembly may further include a fourth component adapted to be received in a recess of the support structure of the building system and abut the first component so as to frictionally engage and secure the first component to the support structure
Data Source
AI summary
A locking assembly (100) for securing one or more building elements in a building system is disclosed herein. The locking assembly (100) comprises: a first component (110) adapted for engagement to the building system, the first component (110) including a first locking portion (112) defining a first surface profile; a second component (120) including a second locking portion (122) defining a second surface profile corresponding to the first surface profile of the first locking portion (112), the second locking portion (122) being adapted for engagement with the first locking portion (112); and a third component (130) having a first end and a second end, the first end being adapted for engagement with the second locking portion (122) of the second component (120), wherein the third component (130) is resiliently deformable from a locked configuration to an unlocked configuration under application of force to the third component (130), wherein in the locked configuration, the second locking portion (122) is engaged to the first locking portion (112) so as to secure the first component (110) to the second component (120), and in the unlocked configuration, the second locking portion (122) is disengaged from the first locking portion (112).