Angled Block Clamp Assembly for Secure Partition Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional systems for mounting and securing glass or glass-like partitions in railings face challenges in secure installation without damaging the glass and in facilitating easy removal for repair or replacement.

Innovation Solution

A clamping system comprising a shoe with a slot and isolators, along with a clamp assembly of angled upper and lower blocks, which selectively and releasably holds the partition in place, allowing for secure installation and easy removal without damaging the partition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional mounting systems are used to securely install partitions, then the partition is securely held in place, but the partition cannot be easily removed without damage for future repair or replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure installationVSAvoidremoval for repair or replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp assembly is designed with movable blocks that can be shifted between engaged and disengaged positions. The blocks are initially positioned to engage the partition securely, and can later be moved to release the partition for removal, enabling both secure installation and easy repair

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: the shoe with slot, the isolator, and the clamp assembly with movable blocks. This segmentation allows the clamp assembly to be independently adjusted to transition from a secure holding state to a release state without affecting other components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If conventional mounting systems are used to secure partitions, then the partition is firmly held, but the partition may be damaged during installation or removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure mountingVSAvoiddamage to partition

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

An isolator is positioned between the clamp assembly blocks and the partition to act as a protective intermediary. This isolator prevents direct contact between the clamping mechanism and the glass partition, eliminating the risk of damage during both installation and removal while maintaining secure holding

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The isolator is pre-installed in the slot before the partition is mounted, providing protective cushioning in advance. This ensures that when the clamp assembly engages the partition, the force is distributed through the isolator rather than concentrated on the glass edges

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a clamp system with angled blocks is used to hold the partition, then the partition can be selectively and releasably held, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveselective and releasable holdingVSAvoidclamp system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The upper and lower blocks are combined into a single clamp assembly unit that moves together as one component. This merging reduces the number of separate parts that need to be managed while maintaining the selective engagement and release functionality through the angled block design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The system provides secure and durable mounting with reduced weight and material costs, enabling easy installation and potential for future removal without damaging the partition, while maintaining the aesthetic integrity of the glass.

Implementation Method 1

an isolator that fits within the slot between the partition and a portion of the slot

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

Surfaces of the blocks are angled with respect to each other so that drawing the upper and lower blocks toward each other will urge one of the blocks in one direction and the other block or blocks in the opposite direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical advantage through inclined planes: Inclined Plane

Implementation Method 3

engagement surfaces which engage a side wall of the slot and a side of the partition to selectively and releasably hold the partition within the slot

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS7730682B2Partition mounting system and clamp assembly for mounting partition

Publication Date: 2010.06.08 R & B WAGNER

AI summary

A system for mounting a partition, the system including a shoe with a slot for receiving an edge of the partition and an isolator that fits within the slot between the partition and a portion of the slot. A clamp assembly fits within the slot opposite the first isolator. The clamp assembly includes upper and lower blocks and, optionally, a center block. Surfaces of the blocks are angled with respect to each other so that drawing the upper and lower blocks toward each other will urge one of the blocks in one direction and the other block or blocks in the opposite direction. The blocks include engagement surfaces which engage a side wall of the slot and a side of the partition to selectively and releasably hold the partition within the slot.