Rotating Panel-to-Profile Assembly for Fast Vehicle Interior Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for assembling panels in public transport vehicles using glue are slow due to long curing times and require tedious dismantling for maintenance, which complicates the production and maintenance processes.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a technical profile with grooves that receive panel ends without the need for machining or glue, allowing for quick assembly and easy disassembly by rotating the panel and profile to secure it with stops, eliminating the use of glue and enabling rapid assembly and maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If glue is used to assemble the panel to the technical profile, then the assembly is strong and stable, but the curing time is long which reduces productivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly strengthVSAvoidassembly speed

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical bonding system (glue) with a mechanical fastening system consisting of a fastening element with a head and shaft that engages with a receiving groove. This mechanical system provides immediate structural strength without requiring chemical curing time, thus resolving the contradiction between assembly strength and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Stability of the object's composition

If glue is used to assemble the panel to the technical profile, then the assembly is stable, but the dismantling process is tedious and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly stabilityVSAvoiddismantling ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the connection system into separable components: a fastening element with head and shaft, and a receiving groove structure. This segmentation allows the assembly to be stable during use while enabling easy disassembly by simply removing the fastening element, eliminating the need to dismantle glued joints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If the panel end is inserted at an angle into the receiving groove, then the assembly is simplified and no machining is needed, but the panel must be rotated to achieve proper positioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidpanel positioning

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates stops on the fastening element that engage with the panel surface during the insertion process. These stops guide the panel into the correct angular position relative to the technical profile as it is being inserted, eliminating the need for separate positioning operations or post-insertion adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3971425B1Method for mounting a panel to a technical profile for forming an element of the inside of a public transport vehicle

Publication Date: 2024.07.17 ALSTOM HOLDINGS SA

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AI summary

The method includes at least the following steps: (a) supplying at least one panel (1) suitable for a public transport vehicle interior having an end (3), (b) supplying the technical profile (2), this technical profile (2) having at least one groove (6, 6A, 6B) for receiving the end (3) of the panel (1), (c) inserting the end (3) of the panel (1) into the groove (6, 6A, 6B) formed by the technical profile (2) in the insertion position (P1), and (d) rotating the panel (1) and/or the technical profile (2) around the second longitudinal direction (L2) to move the panel (1) from the insertion position (P1) to the locked position (P2) by an angle between 5° and 40° and forming an assembly (12) comprising the panel (1) and the technical profile (2).