Wall Panel Fixing Device with Resilient Toe Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing methods for wall panels restrict transverse expansion and shrinkage, leading to potential distortion due to temperature changes or water absorption, particularly in wood panels, as they do not allow for adequate movement.
Innovation Solution
The fixing device incorporates a guidance sleeve with a hook member and resilient toe elements that allow for perpendicular movement of the panel rim, enabling expansion and contraction while providing secure fixation, and can be used in various panel orientations with a spring system that locks the panel around its edge, allowing for easy mounting and installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid fixing methods are used to securely attach wall panels, then attachment security is improved, but transverse expansion and shrinkage are restricted causing façade distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device incorporates resilient toe elements that provide a dynamic, flexible connection between the wall panel and support structure. These elements allow the panel to expand and contract transversely while maintaining secure attachment, resolving the contradiction between rigid security and flexible movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient toe elements change their mechanical properties (flexibility vs. rigidity) based on the panel's expansion state. When the panel expands or shrinks, the toe elements deform elastically, allowing parameter changes in the fixing mechanism to accommodate thermal and moisture-induced dimensional changes without causing façade distortion.
2Adaptability or versatility
If spring means are added to allow panel expansion, then transverse movement freedom is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient toe elements are integrated directly into the body of the fixing device, merging the spring function with the main structural component. This eliminates the need for separate, complex spring mechanisms while still providing the necessary transverse movement freedom through the resilient properties of the toe elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient toe elements function as flexible structural components that provide the necessary movement freedom. Rather than using complex mechanical spring systems, the invention employs flexible elements that can deform elastically to accommodate panel expansion and contraction, simplifying the overall device structure.
3Reliability
If hooks and guidance sleeves are used to secure panels, then fixation reliability is improved, but ease of installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient toe elements are pre-configured in the fixing device body to automatically engage with the wall panel during installation. This preliminary positioning allows the panel to be easily inserted while the toe elements subsequently deform to lock the panel securely in place, providing both ease of installation and reliable fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient toe elements automatically perform the fixation function through their elastic deformation properties. When the wall panel is inserted, the toe elements self-adjust and lock the panel in position without requiring additional manual adjustment or complex assembly steps, thereby maintaining ease of installation while ensuring reliable fixation.
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
This solution allows for the expansion and contraction of wall panels without distorting the façade, ensuring secure attachment and easy installation, while accommodating different panel orientations and materials, and can be produced efficiently in metal or plastic materials.
Implementation Method 1
the spring elements comprise resilient toe elements connected to the body and located opposite the hook member of the guidance sleeve
Implementation Method 2
spring means are present for urging the first border part of the first wall panel away fro the fixing device in the direction perpendicular to the rim of the first border part
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a fixing device (1) for fixing wall panels (10, 20) on a structure, the device comprising a body adapted to be connected to the structure, first engaging means connected to the body for engaging a first border part of a first wall panel and second engaging means connected to the body for engaging a second border part of a second wall panel, wherein the first engaging means comprise a guidance sleeve (2) defined by two guidance parts (7, 8) and wherein spring means (3) are present for urging the first border part of the first wall panel away from the fixing device in the direction perpendicular to the rim of the first border part and wherein the first engaging means are adapted to limit the movement of the rim away from the fixing device by a hook member (6) adapted to engage a nose provided on the first border part of the first wall panel. The spring means in particular serve to lock the wall panel around an upper edge zone. The invention also relates to a kit of parts comprising a fixing device according to any of the preceeding claims and a wall panel.