Slat Profile with Integrated Fixing Parts for Mesh Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for fixing slats to rigid grid panels are time-consuming, require multiple fixing elements, and are unsuitable for non-hollow or thick slats, leading to potential deterioration and aesthetic issues, especially in windy conditions.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a profile with a slat receiving part and fixing parts that allow for easy attachment to a rigid mesh panel, where the profile is fixed once and slats are inserted, with evenly distributed fixing parts along the profile, made of PVC, and a kit that includes wedging and closure profiles for enhanced stability and aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fastening element is required for each slat, then the slat can be securely fixed to the rigid mesh panel, but the installation process becomes lengthy and repetitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple fastening functions into a single profile element that can secure multiple slats simultaneously. The profile includes a receiving section with multiple receiving spaces, each capable of holding a slat, and fastening sections that can attach the entire profile to the rigid mesh panel in one operation, eliminating the need for individual fastening elements for each slat.
Solution Approach 2:
The profile is pre-configured with multiple receiving spaces and fastening sections during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation allows installers to simply insert slats into the pre-formed receiving spaces and attach the entire profile to the panel, rather than performing individual fastening operations for each slat during installation.
2Shape
If the rigid mesh panel is installed almost flush with the ground, then the fence appearance is improved, but it becomes impossible to rotate the fixing element to insert the straight part into the slat
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of inserting the profile into the slat from below (which requires rotation and is impossible when the panel is flush with the ground), the invention inverts the insertion direction. The slats are inserted into the profile's receiving spaces from the top or side, allowing installation even when the panel is flush-mounted without requiring any rotation of fixing elements.
3Reliability
If multiple fixing elements are used for each slat, then the slat fixation is secure, but the number of parts increases and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fastening functions into a single integrated profile. The profile includes a receiving section with multiple receiving spaces for holding slats, and multiple fastening sections distributed along the profile that can attach the entire profile to the rigid mesh panel simultaneously, reducing the number of discrete parts from multiple individual fasteners to just one profile element.
4Adaptability or versatility
If existing fixing elements are used, then hollow slats can be fixed, but non-hollow slats or slats of significant thickness cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The profile is designed with receiving spaces that can accommodate various slat types including hollow slats, non-hollow slats, and slats of different thicknesses. The fastening sections are configured to securely attach to the rigid mesh panel regardless of the slat type inserted into the receiving spaces, making the fixing system universal and applicable to diverse slat configurations.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for fixing slats to a rigid wire mesh panel (1), characterized in that it comprises: - a profile (2) forming a receiving part for slats (3, 6) being able to support, in use, the lower ends (32) of slats (20), and - several fixing parts (7), which are carried by the bottom (3) of the profile (2), at a distance from the vertical wall (6) of the receiving part for slats (3, 6) so as to also allow the reception of the lower end (32) of at least one slat (20) between the fixing part (7) and said vertical wall (6), comprising fixing means (9, 10, 11) for fixing the profile (2) to a horizontal wire (17) of the rigid wire mesh panel (13).