Retaining Strip With Flexible Base For Secure Panel Latching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening systems for panels on facades and floors are complex, require multiple holding parts, and offer low holding forces due to flexible latching webs, limiting the secure attachment of multiple panels, especially under wind loads.
Innovation Solution
A fastening system featuring dimensionally stable locking elements with a flexible base section that spreads open to securely latch panels onto a retaining strip, which is made from a bent and stamped metal sheet, allowing multiple panels to be attached securely with high latching forces without fixed fasteners to the substructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If flexible latching webs are used to attach panels, then ease of operation is improved, but holding force deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The latching element is designed with a flexible base section that allows dynamic movement during the latching process. The base section can be bent to spread the latching elements open for panel insertion, then returns to its original position to provide strong holding force, combining ease of operation with high holding force capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flexibility parameter spatially: the base section is made flexible to enable easy operation, while the latching elements themselves are made dimensionally stable and rigid to provide high holding force. This parameter differentiation resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and holding force
2Reliability
If multiple holding parts are used to secure panels, then reliability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining strip is designed as a universal mounting structure that can securely attach multiple panels simultaneously through multiple latching elements distributed along its length. This single multi-functional component replaces the need for multiple separate holding parts, maintaining reliability while reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple latching elements that would traditionally require separate holding parts are merged into a single integrated retaining strip structure. The multiple latching elements work together on one continuous strip, providing reliable attachment for multiple panels while simplifying the overall device structure
3Force
If dimensionally stable locking elements are used, then holding force is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining strip utilizes a thin metal sheet structure that is bent and stamped to form the dimensionally stable latching elements. This manufacturing approach allows complex rigid geometries to be produced from simple flat sheets through forming operations, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving the required dimensional stability for high latching forces
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining strip is made from a bent and stamped metal sheet that combines structural rigidity in the latching elements with flexibility in the base section. This composite structural approach, using the same material with different geometric configurations, achieves both high latching force and manufacturing 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
Enables easy and secure mounting of multiple panels with high holding forces, suitable for large areas like facades and floors, even under wind loads, using panels made from composite materials for durability and weather resistance.
Implementation Method 1
the locking elements can be spread open by deforming the flexible base section that connects the locking elements to one another
Implementation Method 2
This web can stiffen the latching element so that it does not bend when a foot element is pressed on, but transmits the torque to the base section
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 1E~1F
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
Fastening system with a retaining strip (1) that can be fixed to a substructure and a plurality of elongated panels (20, 30, 40) that can be snapped onto the retaining strip (1), wherein each panel (20, 30, 40) has, on the side facing the retaining strip (1), two laterally projecting locking projections (23) on at least one foot element (22) and, adjacent to the locking projections (23), locking receptacles (26) into which at least one locking element (3) of the retaining strip (1) can be snapped, wherein two locking elements (3) provided for fixing a panel (20, 30, 40) form a receptacle (8) and are connected to each other via a bottom section (12) of the retaining strip (1), characterized in that the locking elements (3) are dimensionally stable and, when a panel (20, 30, 40) is snapped into place, the locking elements (3) are engaged by deformation of the bendable Spread open the bottom section (12).Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for mounting a panel (20, 30, 40) on a retaining strip (1).