Surface Covering Fasteners for Quick Panel Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface coverings require prior alignment of fastening elements, which can lead to breakage and increased installation time, and do not allow for easy panel replacement without damage.
Innovation Solution
A surface covering system with fastening elements that do not need prior alignment, allowing quick installation and easy panel replacement, featuring a groove system for easy insertion and a lever-based extraction method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fastening elements require prior alignment in cavities before insertion, then connection reliability is improved, but installation time increases and risk of breakage decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening element's head is pre-positioned in the panel cavity during panel installation, before the elastic body is inserted into the profile cavity. This preliminary positioning ensures proper alignment is achieved automatically as part of the natural installation sequence, eliminating the need for separate alignment operations and reducing installation time while maintaining connection reliability.
2Reliability
If fastening elements require prior alignment in cavities before insertion, then connection reliability is improved, but risk of fastening element breakage decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The head of the fastening element is preliminarily positioned in the panel cavity before the elastic body is inserted into the profile cavity. This sequence ensures that the head is already aligned with the panel cavity, so when the elastic body is inserted, it naturally guides itself into the correct position without requiring forceful manipulation that could cause breakage.
3Stability of the object's composition
If panels are secured with fastening elements in cavities, then structural stability is improved, but ease of panel replacement worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system uses an elastic body that can be compressed to release its holding force on the profile cavity. During normal operation, the elastic body maintains constant pressure to secure the panel firmly. For replacement, applying compression force to the elastic body temporarily releases the grip, allowing easy panel removal without damage. This dynamic behavior provides both strong fixation during use and easy release when needed.
4Reliability
If fastening elements are inserted into profile cavities, then panel-to-profile connection is improved, but complexity of installation process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening element is divided into two independent parts: a head that fits into the panel cavity and an elastic body that fits into the profile cavity. These parts are installed in sequence rather than as a single unit, simplifying the installation process. The head is first positioned in the panel cavity, then the elastic body is inserted into the profile cavity, allowing each component to be installed independently without complex alignment requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Reduces the risk of fastening element breakage during installation, decreases installation time, and enables easy panel replacement without damage.
Implementation Method 1
The fastening element has an elastic body whose elasticity causes it to adopt a first compressed position in which it can pass transversely through the groove corresponding to the guide and is housed in an expanded position in the cavity corresponding to the guide
Implementation Method 2
a lever-based extraction method
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Surface covering comprising a plurality of panels, longitudinal profiles and fastening elements, the panels being arranged on said profiles, the profiles facing a bottom face of the panels, so that areas of intersection are generated between panels where the fastening elements fit, in which said fastening element has an elastic body that is connected to the head by means of a neck of smaller dimensions than the head, the elasticity of the elastic body allowing it to pass through the groove corresponding to the profile cavity and also allowing the elastic body to slide inside the cavity of said profile.