Prefabricated Wall Elastic Coupling Groove Assembly

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing prefabricated walls are complex to disassemble and reassemble, require numerous construction workers, and have lengthy construction periods due to their intricate structures and reliance on screws, making maintenance and modifications difficult.

Innovation Solution

A prefabricated wall system with vertically installed studs and runners, featuring elastic coupling members that minimize the use of screws by allowing the finishing panel to be easily coupled and decoupled from the studs, enabling quick installation and disassembly, and allowing a small number of personnel to perform the work, with additional features like gappers and column assemblies for flexible wall configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional prefabricated walls use numerous members and screw connections for structural stability, then the wall strength and stability are improved, but the complexity of disassembly and reassembly increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewall strengthVSAvoidease of disassembly and reassembly
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The wall system is divided into modular components (studs, finishing panels, coupling members) that can be independently assembled and disassembled. The coupling member is segmented into an inserting portion that engages with the stud and a panel fixing portion that secures the finishing panel, allowing for easy separation without damaging components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The screw connection is extracted and replaced with a coupling member that uses mechanical interlocking through coupling grooves. This removes the need for screws and screwdrivers, enabling tool-free assembly and disassembly while maintaining structural integrity through the elastic deformation of the coupling member.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Device complexity

If traditional prefabricated walls require many construction workers for assembly, then the structural complexity can be managed, but the construction time and labor costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstruction management capabilityVSAvoidconstruction speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functions are merged into single components: the coupling member simultaneously provides structural connection, positioning, and securing functions; the stud integrates the frame structure with built-in coupling grooves; the finishing panel combines the cladding function with integrated coupling features. This reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling member performs self-alignment and self-securing through its elastic properties. When the inserting portion is inserted into the coupling groove, the elastic deformation automatically creates a secure connection without requiring additional fastening operations or multiple workers for positioning and securing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If traditional prefabricated walls use fixed construction procedures, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the adaptability to different site conditions and modifications decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidadaptability to site conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The wall system transitions from a fixed, rigid assembly to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. The elastic coupling member allows for controlled deformation and reconfiguration, enabling the wall to adapt to different installation conditions, heights, and positioning requirements while maintaining structural integrity through the elastic recovery of the coupling member.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling groove and inserting portion design provides universal compatibility across different wall sections and configurations. The same coupling mechanism works for various stud positions, panel sizes, and wall heights, allowing the system to be adapted to different site conditions and modification requirements without changing the fundamental connection method.

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

Facilitates rapid and cost-effective installation and disassembly of walls, reduces labor costs, and allows for flexible wall configurations, improving soundproofing and enabling easier integration of electrical devices while shortening construction periods.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic coupling member provided on an inner side surface of a finishing panel is inserted and coupled into a coupling groove provided on a stud

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3467225B1Prefabricated wall for interior and construction method therefor
Publication Date: 2024.02.14 LEE IN OK
  • EP3467225B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3467225B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3467225B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a prefabricated wall for interior, which partitions the indoor space of a building, the prefabricated wall comprising: a runner installed to face a ceiling and a floor; a plurality of studs vertically installed and fixed on both width-wise sides of the runner; and a finishing panel coupled to the plurality of studs, wherein each of the plurality of studs includes a pair of coupling grooves extending in parallel to each other in the lengthwise direction, the finishing panel includes a pair of elastic coupling members which are fixedly coupled to both ends of left and right sides of the inner side surface thereof so as to extend in a vertical direction, and the finishing panel is installed on front surface portions of the plurality of studs by inserting and coupling the elastic coupling members into the coupling grooves. Therefore, the present invention minimizes the use of screws to facilitate the installation/disassembly and reassembly of a wall, allows a small number of personnel to simultaneously perform the installation or disassembly work, reduces labor costs, and can shorten the construction period.