초록 ▼

Disclosed herein are connectors for panels. In one embodiment a panel connector comprises, a connector comprising a rib-hinging geometry, wherein the rib-hinging geometry comprises living hinges, and wherein the rib-hinging geometry is capable of expanding in area. In another embodiment, a panel ass

Disclosed herein are connectors for panels. In one embodiment a panel connector comprises, a connector comprising a rib-hinging geometry, wherein the rib-hinging geometry comprises living hinges, and wherein the rib-hinging geometry is capable of expanding in area. In another embodiment, a panel assembly is disclosed. The panel assembly comprises, a connector comprising a rib-hinging geometry, wherein the rib-hinging geometry comprises living hinges, a socket comprising an internal geometry, wherein the connector can be assembled to the internal geometry, and wherein the rib-hinging geometry is capable of expanding in area.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A multiwall panel comprising: multiple walls; anda connector comprising a rib-hinging geometry, wherein the rib-hinging geometry comprises living hinges; and,wherein, the connector, when connected to another connector and/or a structure, and when acted upon by tensile force, compressive force, an

1. A multiwall panel comprising: multiple walls; anda connector comprising a rib-hinging geometry, wherein the rib-hinging geometry comprises living hinges; and,wherein, the connector, when connected to another connector and/or a structure, and when acted upon by tensile force, compressive force, and/or bending force, is configured to change shape so as to increase retention force;wherein the multiwall panel comprises a negative force expanding connector and a positive force expanding connector, and wherein when a tensile force is applied, the negative force expanding connector increases in transverse width and when a compressive force is applied, the positive force expanding connector increases in transverse width. 2. The multiwall panel of claim 1, further comprising an open cavity within the living hinge after assembly. 3. The multiwall panel of claim 1, further comprising an open cavity within the living hinge before and after assembly. 4. The multiwall panel of claim 1, further comprising an internal feature disposed in the rib-hinging geometry, wherein the internal feature is capable of limiting the displacement of the rib-hinging geometry. 5. The multiwall panel of claim 1, further comprising a connector cap. 6. The multiwall panel of claim 1, wherein the connector has a closed geometry. 7. The multiwall panel of claim 6, wherein the connector has a bow-tie like geometry. 8. A panel connector comprising: a rib-hinging geometry, wherein the rib-hinging geometry comprises living hinges; and, wherein the connector, when connected to another connector and/or a structure, and when acted upon by tensile force, compressive force, and/or bending force, is configured to change shape so as to increase retention force; wherein the living hinges have a hinge thickness that is less than a thickness of a member connecting adjacent living hinges; wherein the connector comprises a negative force expanding connector and a positive force expanding connector, and wherein when a tensile force is applied, the negative force expanding connector increases in transverse width and when a compressive force is applied, the positive force expanding connector increases in transverse width. 9. The panel connector of claim 8, wherein the rib-hinging geometry is selected from the group consisting of a negative-force expanding geometry, a positive-force expanding geometry, and combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing. 10. The panel connector of claim 8, further comprising an internal feature disposed in the rib-hinging geometry, wherein the internal feature is capable of limiting the displacement of the rib-hinging geometry. 11. The panel connector of claim 8, further comprising a connector cap. 12. The panel connector of claim 8, wherein the connector has a closed geometry. 13. The panel connector of claim 12, wherein the connector has a bow-tie like geometry. 14. The panel connector of claim 8, further comprising an open cavity within the living hinge after assembly. 15. The panel connector of claim 8, further comprising an open cavity within the living hinge before and after assembly. 16. A multiwall panel, comprising: multiple walls; and a connector comprising a rib-hinging geometry, wherein the rib-hinging geometry comprises living hinges; and, wherein the connector, when connected to another connector and/or a structure, and when acted upon by tensile force, compressive force, and/or bending force, is configured to change shape so as to increase retention force; wherein the living hinges have a hinge thickness that is less than a thickness of a member connecting adjacent living hinges; wherein the connector comprises a negative force expanding connector and a positive force expanding connector, and wherein when a tensile force is applied, the negative force expanding connector increases in transverse width and when a compressive force is applied, the positive force expanding connector increases in transverse width. 17. The multiwall panel of claim 16, further comprising an open cavity within the living hinge after assembly; wherein the rib-hinging geometry is selected from the group consisting of a negative force expanding geometry, a positive force expanding geometry, and combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing; and wherein the connector has a closed geometry. 18. The multiwall panel of claim 16, wherein the connector has a bow-tie like geometry.