Modular Insert for Screening Panel Attachment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching screening panels to structural components like rails are inadequate, as they often fail to securely fasten heavier panels or withstand particle impact and vibration, and require complex hardware or welding, which can lead to wear and maintenance challenges.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring an insert that is releasably connected to structural components, allowing for quick assembly and disassembly with basic tools, providing a secure attachment that resists vibration and particle impact without the need for welded connections, and enabling easy replacement of worn parts without replacing the entire rail.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If complex hardware or welding is used to attach screening panels, then the attachment strength and resistance to particle impact improve, but the device complexity and ease of maintenance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into separate modular components: the structural component with integrated insert, the insert itself, and the hardware component. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently and replaced separately, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert is nested within a cavity in the structural component, creating a hierarchical structure where the insert fits inside the structural component. This nested arrangement provides secure attachment without requiring complex external hardware or welding procedures.
2Reliability
If complex hardware or welding is used to attach screening panels, then the resistance to vibration and particle impact improves, but the ease of repair and replacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system transitions from static permanent connections (welding) to dynamic reversible connections using removable hardware components. This allows the system to maintain reliability during operation while enabling easy maintenance when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The hardware component is designed to be removable and replaceable without damaging the structural component or insert. When wear or damage occurs, only the hardware component needs to be discarded and replaced, while the insert and structural component are recovered and reused.
3Strength
If welded connections are used to attach screening panels, then the attachment security improves, but the wear and maintenance challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The welded connection (thermal/chemical process) is replaced with a mechanical fastening system using the insert and hardware component. This substitution maintains attachment security while eliminating the permanent nature of welding, enabling easy maintenance without cutting or grinding operations.
4Reliability
If the entire rail is replaced when parts are worn, then the system reliability is maintained, but the loss of time and resources increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rail system is segmented into replaceable components (hardware component, insert, panel) and non-replaceable permanent structures (structural component). This allows selective replacement of only the worn hardware component rather than the entire rail assembly, significantly reducing replacement time and resource consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A device, assembly, and methods for connecting a panel. The device includes an insert insertable at one or more structural components, the insert connectible to a hardware component, the hardware component connectible to a panel to releasably secure the panel to at least one of the one or more structural components.