Modular Room Divider Panels with Concealed Corner Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a room divider system that can be easily and quickly assembled to provide various desired layouts without sacrificing a decorative appearance.
Innovation Solution
The room divider system comprises a set of wall panels with elongate frame bars interconnected by corner pieces and coupling pieces. The frame bars have hollow end sections, and the corner pieces have an L-shape formed by perpendicularly connected tube sections. The coupling pieces have a plate structure that interconnects parallel protruding sections, allowing adjacent wall panels to be interconnected while keeping the constructive elements hidden, maintaining a decorative appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional room divider systems are used, then structural stability is achieved, but assembly time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The room divider system is divided into modular wall panels, each comprising frame bars, corner pieces, and infill panels. These standardized modules can be quickly assembled in different configurations to create various room layouts, significantly reducing assembly time and complexity while maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The corner pieces feature nested connection mechanisms where connection elements are integrated within the corner piece structure itself. The frame bars connect to corner pieces through integrated connection slots and fastening mechanisms, allowing for quick assembly without requiring separate connection hardware, thus improving assembly speed.
2Shape
If decorative elements are added to maintain appearance, then aesthetic quality improves, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection elements and decorative elements are merged into a single integrated corner piece structure. The corner pieces serve dual functions as both structural connection points and decorative visible elements, eliminating the need for separate decorative covers or trim pieces that would complicate assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling pieces are designed to automatically cover and conceal the connection elements between adjacent wall panels during assembly. As panels are connected, the coupling pieces naturally position themselves to hide the mechanical connection points, providing a decorative finish without requiring additional assembly steps.
3Strength
If multiple connection elements are used to ensure stability, then structural strength improves, but the decorative appearance deteriorates due to visible constructive elements
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling pieces act as intermediary elements between adjacent wall panels. They mechanically connect the panels through connection elements while simultaneously serving as a visual barrier that conceals these connection elements, thus maintaining both structural stability and decorative appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The corner pieces and coupling pieces are designed with differentiated local qualities - the connection-facing surfaces have functional features for structural connection, while the exterior-facing surfaces have decorative finishes. This allows different parts of the same component to serve different functions, maintaining strength while improving appearance.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A room divider system (100) comprises a set of wall panels (10). Adjacent wall panels (10) are interconnected by coupling pieces (13). The frame panels (10) comprise elongate frame bars (11) interconnected by corner pieces (12). The frame bars (11) comprise hollow end sections (11a, 11b). The corner pieces (12) have an L-shape formed by a first protruding tube section (12a) perpendicularly connected to a second protruding tube section (12b). The protruding tube sections (12a,12b) fit inside respective openings of the respective hollow end sections (11a, 11b) of a pair of perpendicularly oriented frame bars (11). The corner pieces (12) are provided with a corner piece opening (12c) on an opposite side to one of the protruding tube sections (12b). The coupling pieces (13) comprise a plate structure (13d) which covers the corner pieces (12) when the coupling piece (13) is fit inside the respective corner piece openings (12c).