Shim-Based Decorative Panel Alignment System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing decorative elements and frames for floors, walls, and ceilings require specific panel thicknesses, leading to high storage costs and inefficiencies due to the need for specialized components, and can result in unsightly protrusions or dirt accumulation when not properly aligned with panels.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing shims with outwardly projecting flanges that can be used with panels of different thicknesses, ensuring a flush surface by adjusting the shim thickness to match the panel and frame, allowing for compatibility with multiple panel types without requiring specialized matching components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If decorative elements and frames are designed for specific panel thicknesses, then alignment and flush surface are achieved, but storage costs increase and versatility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces shims as intermediary components between the panel and the decorative element frame. These shims act as a mediator that compensates for thickness variations, allowing the same frame and decorative element to work with panels of different thicknesses while maintaining flush alignment. The shim thickness is selected based on the panel thickness to achieve the desired alignment without requiring multiple specialized frames.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thickness parameter of the shim component to adapt to different panel thicknesses. By providing shims in various thicknesses, the system can accommodate panels with different thickness parameters while keeping the frame and decorative element design standardized. This parameter adjustment approach maintains versatility without sacrificing alignment precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple specialized frames are produced for different panel thicknesses, then alignment is ensured, but production costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of producing multiple specialized frames with different thicknesses, the patent uses shims as intermediary components. This approach simplifies frame production to a single standardized design while achieving the same surface flushness result by adding the appropriate shim thickness during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the thickness compensation function into a separate component (the shim) rather than incorporating it into the frame itself. This segmentation allows the frame to be produced once in a standardized design, while the shim component handles the variable thickness requirement, thereby reducing production complexity.
3Ease of operation
If decorative elements are not properly aligned with panels, then installation flexibility increases, but aesthetics deteriorate due to protrusions or dirt accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The shim acts as an intermediary that enables installation flexibility by accommodating different panel thicknesses while preventing aesthetic degradation. By selecting the appropriate shim thickness, installers can easily install decorative elements on various panels without risking protrusions or gaps that would lead to dirt accumulation and aesthetic issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action by pre-calculating and providing shims in specific thicknesses that correspond to standard panel thicknesses. This preliminary preparation ensures that the correct shim is available before installation, allowing for proper alignment to be achieved easily without trial and error, thus preventing aesthetic degradation while maintaining installation flexibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
System has many panels (8'), a frame (3) and an attachment (9) whereby frame consist of two opposite sides showing external distant flanges. The attachment is formed for support on the flange under one of the panel. The attachment is formed for basic aligned arrangement of upper side of decorative elements (2) with upper side of the panel. An independent claim is also included for the lining for floor, wall or ceiling.