Wall Panel Angling Coupling for Secure Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wall panel systems lack an efficient and intuitive method for interconnecting panels, particularly due to the absence of gravity-assisted alignment found in floor panels.
Innovation Solution
A wall panel design featuring a core with coupling parts on two sides, allowing for angling motion coupling, with first and second coupling parts including a sideward tongue and groove system, and an upward locking element with a recess for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wall panels use traditional coupling methods without angling motion, then structural stability may be maintained, but installation complexity and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling parts are designed to enable dynamic angling motion during installation, allowing panels to be connected through a controlled angular movement rather than rigid alignment. This dynamic coupling mechanism simplifies the installation process by providing a degree of freedom during the connection phase, making it more similar to floor panel installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism introduces an angular dimension to the connection process. Instead of requiring precise linear alignment, the panels can be connected through angular movement, adding a rotational degree of freedom to the installation process that significantly reduces alignment complexity and installation time.
2Reliability
If wall panels lack attachment features for supporting structures, then panel design simplicity is maintained, but installation security and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment feature is merged with the existing coupling part structure. The upward locking element is integrated into the coupling part, combining the functions of panel-to-panel connection and panel-to-support attachment into a single unified component, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing overall design complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling part is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a connection mechanism between panels and as an attachment point to supporting structures. The upward locking element with its recess can function as both a locking mechanism for the angling motion and as a mounting point for screws or other fasteners to secure the panel to the support structure.
3Manufacturing precision
If coupling parts require complex alignment mechanisms, then connection precision improves, but ease of operation and installation speed decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling surfaces are designed with complementary geometries that create a natural alignment path during the angling motion. The tongue and groove profiles are shaped to guide the panels into proper alignment automatically as they are angled together, eliminating the need for complex external alignment mechanisms while maintaining connection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling parts are designed to self-align during the angling motion. The geometric profiles of the tongue and groove automatically guide the panels into the correct position and orientation as they are connected, allowing the system to achieve precise alignment through its own structure rather than requiring external alignment tools or mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
A wall panel for forming a wall covering with multiple panels, comprising a centrally located core, wherein the core comprises a rear side, a decorative side opposite the rear side, and at least two sides comprising coupling parts for mutual coupling of several panels; wherein the coupling parts are arranged to be coupled with an angling motion, wherein a new panel is arranged to be angled into a panel already forming part of the wall covering; wherein the coupling parts comprise at least one first coupling part and at least one second coupling part arranged on opposite sides of the core, wherein the first coupling part comprises a sideward tongue, an upper bridge portion for connecting the sideward tongue to the core and a downward groove, for accommodating at least a parts of an upward locking element; and wherein the second coupling part comprises a groove.