Telescoping Internal Wall Panels Without Ceiling or Floor Tracks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixed internal walls in office and residential buildings are inconvenient to rearrange, and track-based systems for flexible configurations often require unsightly installations and limit flexibility, necessitating a more adaptable and easy-to-install solution.
Innovation Solution
A relocatable internal wall panel system comprising a first and second wall portion with a void between them, where the first portion can be extended from the second, using a toothed rack and meshing gear mechanism driven by a rotary tool, and coupling members for connecting adjacent panels, allowing for flexible configuration without permanent installations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If fixed internal walls are constructed using standard framing timber and plasterboard, then structural strength and stability are improved, but ease of reconfiguration deteriorates as skilled tradespersons are required and dust, noise and inconvenience occur during adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The wall system is divided into modular panels that can be independently assembled and disassembled. Each panel contains integrated framing, cladding, and connection elements that allow the wall to be segmented into transportable and reconfigurable units without requiring destruction of the original structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall system transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic reconfigurable system. Connection elements allow panels to be quickly assembled and disassembled, enabling the wall configuration to change adaptively based on spatial requirements without permanent installation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If track based systems are installed in ceiling and floor for flexible wall configuration, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and visual appearance deteriorate due to unsightly track installations
Solution Approach 1:
The connection and support functions previously requiring ceiling and floor track installations are extracted and integrated directly into the wall panels themselves. The panels contain self-contained connection elements that eliminate the need for separate track systems in the ceiling and floor.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functions (structural support, connection, and adjustment mechanisms) are merged into integrated connection elements within the wall panels. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate track systems and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining flexibility.
3Stability of the object's composition
If wall panels are designed to span between floor and ceiling in track based systems, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity and storage flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The wall system is segmented into standardized panels with integrated framing that maintains structural stability independently. Each panel is self-supporting through its internal frame structure, eliminating the need for complex track-based support systems while preserving stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel design uses standardized dimensions and modular connection parameters that allow the same panel configuration to maintain stability across different installations without requiring custom complex designs for each application.
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a relocatable internal wall panel, kit and system for a room having a floor and ceiling. The wall panel comprises a first wall portion and a second wall portion having opposed planar surfaces to define a void. The first wall portion is at least partly received within the void defined within the second wall portion in a retracted position and reversibly extendable therefrom such that in the extended position the upper edge of the first wall portion bears against the ceiling of the room.