Modular Wall Panel System with I-Beam Connectors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wall panel systems are often expensive, difficult to assemble, and lack versatility, making them inefficient for forming office workspaces.

Innovation Solution

A wall panel assembly featuring a framed panel with side and top frame members, a bottom support structure, and various connectors such as I-beam connectors and corner connectors, along with decorative caps to provide an aesthetically pleasing finish and ease of assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional wall panel systems are used, then office workspaces can be formed, but the systems are expensive and difficult to assemble

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wall panel system is divided into modular components including frame members, panel sections, and connector pieces that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows for simplified assembly procedures while maintaining structural integrity, directly addressing the contradiction between ease of manufacture and device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Connector pieces serve as intermediaries between frame members and panel sections, simplifying the assembly process by providing standardized connection interfaces. These connectors mediate the joining process, making the overall system easier to assemble while reducing the complexity of direct component interfaces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional wall panel systems are used, then office workspaces can be formed, but the systems are complicated and not versatile

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveversatilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame members and connectors are designed with universal interfaces that can accommodate different panel configurations, sizes, and arrangements. This multi-functionality allows the same basic components to serve multiple purposes in various workspace layouts, enhancing versatility without proportionally increasing system complexity

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

Solution Approach 2:

The wall panel system incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements that allow the structure to adapt to different spatial requirements. Connectors and frame members can be repositioned or reconfigured to create various workspace arrangements, providing dynamic adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple base structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS7958683B2Wall panel system
Publication Date: 2011.06.14 HNI CORP
  • US7958683B2 patent drawing
  • US7958683B2 patent drawing
  • US7958683B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An improved wall panel system is disclosed. The system includes framed panels having side frame members, a top frame member, and a bottom support structure. Also included are a plurality of connection components including a connector post, an I-beam shaped connector, connectors, and decorative caps.