Adjustable Mullion Fitting for Angled Glass Panel Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional construction systems constrain building shapes due to vertical mullions needing to be oriented perpendicular to glass panels, limiting design flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring a guide track within a mullion and a fitting that allows glass panels to be oriented at angles other than perpendicular, using angular variation devices and fasteners for adjustable attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If vertical mullions are oriented perpendicular to glass panels, then structural support is provided, but building shape flexibility is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The mullion system incorporates adjustable fittings that allow the mullion orientation to be dynamically changed relative to the glass panels. The fitting includes an adjustment mechanism that enables the mullion to be oriented at various angles rather than being fixed perpendicular to the panels, thus providing both structural support and shape flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the orientation parameter of the mullion relative to the glass panel. By introducing an angular adjustment capability through the fitting design, the mullion can be installed at different angles (not strictly perpendicular), allowing the building to achieve various shapes while maintaining structural integrity.
2Ease of manufacture
If mullions are visible from exterior views, then structural support is evident, but aesthetic appeal is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting design incorporates asymmetric positioning of the mullion relative to the glass panel, allowing the mullion to be angled in a way that minimizes its visibility from certain exterior viewpoints. This asymmetric orientation enables the structural support function to be maintained while reducing visual impact for aesthetic purposes.
Data Source
AI summary
A fitting for a construction system for a glass panel having a mullion with at least one guide track disposed at least partially along at least one dimension of the mullion, a curved exterior face, and a guide channel extending along a length of the curved exterior face. The fitting may comprise an inner fitting, an outer fitting and a fastener couple the inner fitting to the outer fitting. The inner fitting may be configured to be slidably coupled to the curved exterior face of the mullion. The inner fitting may comprise an angular variation device, a panel support surface, and an arm extending between the angular variation device and the panel support surface. The fitting is selectively adjustable along the guide track while engaged to the guide track and a portion of the glass panel is received between the inner fitting and the outer fitting.