Adjustable Bracket Assembly for Glass Panel Out-of-Square Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shower enclosure systems with sliding glass doors face issues of obstructed entryways due to metal framing and headers, and previous support arms for out-of-square configurations often result in deflection and restricted motion, compromising both functionality and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable bracket assembly comprising a mounting member and a bracket member with an extension arm, panel clamp, and adjustable screws allows for secure attachment and angular adjustment of a glass panel to a surface, minimizing obstructions and deflection while maintaining a clean appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a metal frame and header are used to support sliding glass doors, then structural stability is improved, but the entryway becomes obstructed and aesthetics are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional metal header that spans the entire entryway and replaces it with discrete mounting brackets attached only to the side walls. This extraction of the obstructing element maintains structural support while eliminating the barrier to free access and improving aesthetics.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a support arm is used to secure a glass panel to an out-of-square wall, then adaptability is improved, but deflection increases and stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into separate functional components: a mounting bracket with adjustment mechanism attached to the wall, and a separate arm component that connects to the glass panel. This segmentation allows the mounting bracket to handle the out-of-square adjustment while the arm provides rigid support, eliminating the deflection problem of single-piece support arms.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket incorporates an adjustable mechanism that allows dynamic adaptation to out-of-square wall configurations. The bracket can be positioned at various angles and depths to accommodate wall irregularities, providing both adaptability and stability simultaneously.
3Device complexity
If a single-piece support arm is used for glass panel mounting, then device complexity is reduced, but adjustment capability for out-of-square walls is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into separate functional components: a mounting bracket with adjustment mechanism attached to the wall, and a separate arm component that connects to the glass panel. This segmentation allows the mounting bracket to handle the out-of-square adjustment while the arm provides rigid support, eliminating the deflection problem of single-piece support arms.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket incorporates an adjustable mechanism that allows dynamic adaptation to out-of-square wall configurations. The bracket can be positioned at various angles and depths to accommodate wall irregularities, providing both adaptability and stability simultaneously.
4Strength
If metal framing and glass-to-metal interfaces are used, then structural strength is improved, but maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates metal-to-glass interface components by using a bracket system that attaches to the wall structure rather than directly to the glass panel edges. This removal of metal framing elements and their interfaces significantly reduces the surfaces that require special cleaning and maintenance.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable bracket assembly for securing an edge of a panel relative to a surface. The adjustable bracket assembly includes a mounting member and a bracket member. The mounting member has a body configured for mounting on the surface and defining at least two fastening screw receiving holes. The bracket member includes an extension arm extending perpendicularly to a mounting arm. The extension arm includes a panel clamp and the mounting arm includes a mounting plate extending therefrom. The mounting plate defines at least two fastening screw holes and at least two adjustment screw holes therethrough. A fastening screw extends through each fastening screw hole and is received in a respective fastening screw receiving hole. An adjustment screw is positioned in each adjustment screw hole and is threadably adjustable to contact the mounting member body and adjust the angular relationship between the bracket member and the mounting member.