Wall Panel Angled Connector System with Pivoting Joint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wall panel systems lack the ability to efficiently pivot adjacent panels to define varying angles, which limits their flexibility and aesthetic appeal, while also being costly and time-consuming to assemble.
Innovation Solution
A wall panel system featuring a cylindrical joint member that pivotally couples adjacent panels, an upper mounting assembly, and finishing members that conceal the mounting assemblies, allowing for adjustable angles and reduced assembly time and cost, with a malleable finishing connector for aesthetic enhancement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing wall panel systems are used, then structural support is maintained, but the ability to pivot panels to define varying angles is limited and assembly is costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The wall panel system is divided into discrete modular components including panels, joint members, mounting assemblies, and finishing members. Each component is independently manufactured and assembled, enabling flexible configuration and rapid assembly while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connection interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint member incorporates a pivotal connection mechanism that allows adjacent wall panels to dynamically adjust their relative angles. The mounting assembly includes movable components that enable the panels to pivot between fixed and angled positions, providing adaptability while maintaining structural support throughout the range of motion.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing wall panel systems are used, then structural support is maintained, but the ability to pivot panels to define varying angles is limited and assembly is costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The joint member and mounting assembly are designed as universal components that can accommodate multiple panel configurations and angle settings. These multi-functional elements replace numerous specialized parts, reducing manufacturing complexity and assembly costs while enabling flexible panel positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting assembly integrates multiple functions including structural support, pivotal movement mechanism, and finishing coverage into a single assembled unit. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components that need to be manufactured and installed, thereby reducing assembly cost and time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If panels are allowed to pivot relative to each other, then flexibility and aesthetic appeal are improved, but structural support complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The joint member serves as an intermediary component between adjacent wall panels, providing the pivotal connection mechanism. This intermediate element absorbs the complexity of the movement and connection requirements, allowing the panels themselves to remain simple while achieving flexible positioning through the mediating joint structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting assembly is designed to be self-aligning and self-supporting during the pivotal movement of panels. The structure automatically maintains structural integrity through its geometric configuration and inherent mechanical properties, reducing the need for additional complex support mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A wall panel system includes a first wall panel, a second wall panel, and a joint member that couples the first wall panel to the second wall panel. The wall panel system also includes an upper mounting assembly that couples to the first wall panel and the second wall panel such that the upper mounting assembly pivots with the first wall panel and the second wall panel.