Wall Assembly Securing Cap for Dust-Free Snap-Fit Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The assembly of walls and partitions in storage sheds and buildings using corrugated metal panels is labor-intensive and expensive due to the need for rivets and screws, which also results in unsightly protruding fasteners and potential interference with passage between walls.

Innovation Solution

A wall assembly utilizing a securing cap with protrusions for snap-fit engagement with floor or ceiling mountings, eliminating the need for fasteners and providing additional fixing support, while accommodating uneven floors and shaped mountings with resiliently deformable locking protrusions and a cover portion to prevent dust and debris accumulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If screws or rivets are used to fix panels to flooring channels, then the wall assembly has sufficient fixing strength, but the assembly process becomes labor intensive and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing strengthVSAvoidassembly efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the need for separate fasteners (screws or rivets) by integrating the fixing function directly into the channel structure through resilient locking protrusions that engage with corresponding features in the wall panel, thereby simplifying the assembly process while maintaining fixing strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The channel's resilient locking protrusions automatically engage with the wall panel features through snap-fit action, enabling self-fixing without requiring additional fasteners or complex assembly operations, thus improving productivity while maintaining adequate strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If screws or rivets are used to fasten walls to flooring channels, then secure fixation is achieved, but protruding fasteners create unsightly appearance and interfere with passage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation securityVSAvoidaesthetic quality and passage interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the visible fastener elements (screws or rivets) from the wall surface by using integrated resilient locking protrusions that engage from within the channel structure, eliminating the harmful visual and spatial effects while maintaining secure fixation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is nested within the channel structure itself, with resilient protrusions concealed inside the channel that engage with wall panel features, hiding the fixing elements from view and preventing interference with passage while maintaining reliable fixation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If traditional panel interlocking methods are used, then panel assembly is simplified, but fasteners are still required for floor/ceiling mounting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepanel assembly simplicityVSAvoidfastening system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The channel structure is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the mounting support structure and as the fixing mechanism through its integrated resilient locking protrusions, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and simplifying the overall system while maintaining ease of assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables quick and secure wall assembly with reduced fastener usage, hiding unsightly fasteners and preventing dust and debris collection, providing a clean finish and enhanced fixing support compared to traditional methods.

Implementation Method 1

one or more resiliently deformable locking protrusions for engagement by snap fit and fixing the wall to the floor or ceiling mounting

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP1885965B1Wall assembly
Publication Date: 2016.11.16 JANUS INTERNATIONAL GROUP LLC
  • EP1885965B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1885965B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP1885965B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Securing cap (43) is snap fitted within the space between the wall panel (41) and floor or ceiling channel (42)thereby fixing the wall in position. The securing cap prevents the accumulation of dirt, dust or debris within the space formed by the wall panel and the floor or ceiling channel. A wall system, especially for sheds and garages is also claimed.