Adjustable Glazing Block for Load Transfer in Post-and-Beam Facades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing composite constructions and conventional blocking means fail to satisfactorily address the need for improved load transfer in large glazed areas within timber frame constructions, particularly in handling wind forces and forces in the plane of the glazing.
Innovation Solution
A composite structure featuring a mullion and transom construction with glazing, where a coupling component and a blocking element with an adjustable element are used to clamp the glazing, allowing for improved load transfer by generating tension between the glazing and the coupling component, and utilizing a combination of fixed and adjustable blocking elements to secure the glazing in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional glazing blocks are used to fix glass panes in post-and-beam constructions, then the glazing can be installed, but the load transfer capability is insufficient for large glazed areas subjected to wind forces and in-plane forces
Solution Approach 1:
The glazing block incorporates an adjustment element with multiple adjustable positions relative to the base body, allowing the block to be adapted to different glazing thicknesses and positioning requirements. This dynamic adjustability enables the same glazing block design to effectively support various glazed area sizes while maintaining adequate load transfer capability through optimized clamping positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the positional parameter of the adjustment element relative to the base body to optimize the clamping force distribution. By adjusting the position of the adjustment element, the contact forces between the glazing block and the glass pane can be optimized for different glazing thicknesses and load conditions, thereby improving load transfer capability across different glazed area sizes.
2Force
If the glazing is designed to bear loads in large glazed areas, then wind forces and in-plane forces can be resisted, but conventional composite constructions and glazing blocks cannot satisfactorily solve the load transfer problem
Solution Approach 1:
The glazing block is segmented into a base body and an adjustment element that can be positioned at multiple discrete locations. This segmentation allows the clamping function to be optimized for different positions, ensuring reliable load transfer across the glazing surface. The segmented design enables the adjustment element to be positioned optimally for resisting both wind forces and in-plane forces, thereby improving overall load transfer reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable positioning mechanism allows the glazing block to be dynamically adapted to different glazing configurations and load conditions. By selecting appropriate adjustment element positions, the block can optimize its load-bearing capacity for specific wind force and in-plane force conditions, enhancing the reliability of load transfer in large glazed areas.
3Device complexity
If fixed glazing blocks are used, then the structure is simple, but the positioning and clamping force adjustment is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment element can be positioned at multiple discrete locations on the base body, providing positioning flexibility without requiring a completely different glazing block design for each application. This dynamic positioning capability allows the same glazing block structure to adapt to various glazing thicknesses and positioning requirements, significantly improving versatility while maintaining relatively simple device complexity.
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 enables effective load transfer across the glazing, allowing for larger glazed areas in building facades with reduced or no additional bracing elements, enhancing structural stability and ease of installation.
Implementation Method 1
The position of the adjustment element is adjustable relative to the base body and can be fixed in several positions relative to the base body, with the blocking element being clamped between the coupling element and the glazing by moving the adjustment element away from the base body
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The invention relates to a composite construction consisting of a glazing (20) and a mullion-transom construction, in which the glazing (20) is installed in a space between two mullions (12) and at least one transom (11), and a coupling element (10) is attached to the mullion-transom construction, wherein at least one glazing block (30) is attached between this coupling element (10) and the glazing (20). According to the invention, the glazing block (30) comprises a base body (31) and an adjustment element (41; 42). Furthermore, the position of the adjusting element (41;42) relative to the base body (31) is adjustable and can be fixed in several positions relative to the base body (31), wherein the glazing element (30) is clamped between the coupling component (10) and the glazing (20) by a movement of the adjusting element (41;42) away from the base body (31).The invention further relates to a glazing block element (30) for tensioning a glazing in a post-and-beam construction.