Rotatable Coupling Device for Modular Panel Assembly and Disassembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collapsible furniture and panel systems face challenges such as difficulty in assembly and disassembly, transportation, and limited configurability.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device that includes first and second coupling bodies fixedly and rotatably secured to panels, allowing them to be removably coupled and decoupled, facilitating easy assembly, disassembly, and configuration into various structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If panels are made collapsible for easy transport, then transportability is improved, but assembly and disassembly become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The panel system is divided into multiple collapsible sections that can be independently folded and stacked. Each panel contains internal folding mechanisms that segment the structure into manageable units, enabling easy transport while maintaining simple assembly through standardized connection interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
Collapsible panels are designed to nest within each other when folded, similar to nested dolls. The folding sections allow panels to be compacted into smaller volumes that fit within transport containers or stack vertically, improving transportability without complicating the assembly process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If panels are made collapsible for transport, then transportability is improved, but structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The panels are pre-assembled with rigid connection mechanisms and locking features that automatically engage when sections are joined. This preliminary preparation of connection interfaces ensures that once collapsed panels are assembled at the destination, they achieve immediate structural stability without requiring additional reinforcement during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Specialized connection elements and locking mechanisms serve as intermediaries between collapsible panel sections. These intermediary components transfer and distribute loads across multiple joints, maintaining structural stability while allowing the panels to collapse for transport. The locking features ensure rigid connections when assembled.
3Ease of operation
If coupling mechanism is simplified for easy assembly, then ease of operation is improved, but coupling strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is designed with self-locking features that automatically engage and secure panels together when brought into contact. The connection system requires minimal manual intervention, with spring-loaded or cam-actuated locking elements that self-adjust to ensure proper engagement, maintaining both ease of operation and coupling strength.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional complex mechanical fastening systems are replaced with simpler connection mechanisms that use geometric interlocking, friction-based locking, or elastic deformation principles. These substituted mechanisms achieve sufficient coupling strength through intelligent design of connection geometries rather than through complex multi-component mechanical assemblies.
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling device and method for removably coupling frames of a modular panel system includes a first coupling body fixedly and rotatably connected to a first panel frame of a first panel and a second coupling body fixedly and rotatably connected to a second panel frame of a second panel. The first and second coupling bodies are removably coupled to one another in a coupled state to thereby couple the first panel and the second panel together and are decoupled from one another in a decoupled state to thereby decouple the first panel and the second panel from one another.