Cantilever Glass Panel Support with Rotating Cam Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glass panel support structures are complex, expensive to install, and lack safety features, leading to long maintenance times and instability under external stress.
Innovation Solution
A cantilever panel support apparatus with a metal profile, featuring a longitudinal seat, cantilevered base and ceiling, and a panel locking device with cam bodies and non-slip elements for rapid assembly and secure positioning of glass panels, ensuring stability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If heavy frames and large brackets are used to support glass panels, then structural strength and stability are improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into modular components: a longitudinal body with seat, cantilevered base and ceiling, and rotatable cam bodies. Each component serves a specific function and can be independently manufactured and assembled, reducing overall complexity while maintaining strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The heavy frame structure is extracted and replaced by a streamlined longitudinal body that integrates support and locking functions. The cam bodies are separate extractable components that provide locking without requiring complex fixed mechanisms.
2Stability of the object's composition
If complex support structures are used, then panel stability is improved, but installation time and maintenance time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cam bodies are designed to be rotatable between a first position (not interfering with panel insertion) and a second position (locking the panel). This dynamic mechanism allows rapid installation by simply rotating the cam bodies after panel insertion, rather than requiring complex pre-alignment or multiple fastening steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The longitudinal body and seat are pre-configured to guide and receive the panel end in the correct position before locking. The seat geometry and non-slip elements prepare the panel for immediate stable positioning, reducing installation time while ensuring stability.
3Reliability
If traditional locking mechanisms are used, then panel security is improved, but ease of operation and maintenance speed decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable cam bodies provide a simple one-motion locking action. The cam geometry ensures that rotation from the first position to the second position creates reliable mechanical engagement with the panel, securing it firmly through the pressing element and ceiling contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam bodies are designed to be easily operable by the end user without requiring special tools or complex procedures. The pressing elements and non-slip elements work together to automatically maintain panel security through simple rotational motion, enabling easy maintenance and repositioning.
4Ease of manufacture
If simple support structures are used, then installation cost is reduced, but reliability and safety of panels during use and maintenance decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The cam bodies utilize cam geometry (curved surfaces) to transform rotational motion into linear pressing force. This curved mechanism provides progressive, controlled engagement with the panel, ensuring reliable locking and safety while maintaining a simple, manufacturable form.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure combines different materials and elements: the longitudinal body provides structural support, non-slip elements (possibly rubber or textured surfaces) provide friction-based security, and cam bodies provide mechanical locking. This composite approach enhances reliability while keeping individual components simple and cost-effective.
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
Facilitates rapid assembly and dismantling, maintains panel integrity, and provides stable support against external stress, reducing maintenance time and costs while ensuring panel safety.
Implementation Method 1
the panel locking device comprises at least one cam body placed in a corresponding niche formed on said base and opened on said seat, said cam body being rotatable so as to take on at least two positions, a first position in which it does not interfere with the panel, and a second position in which one of its parts is in contact with said panel, pushing it towards said ceiling
Implementation Method 2
The first contact zone with the upper face of the panel, provided on said ceiling, may comprise a first non-slip or friction element adapted to come into contact with the upper face of the panel
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Cantilever panel support apparatus, comprising - a longitudinal body made from an extruded metal profile, to be fixed to a bearing structure, defining a laterally-open longitudinal seat, into which an end of the panel to be supported is adapted to be inserted, said longitudinal seat being delimited by a sidewall to be fixed to the bearing structure, a base extending in a cantilevered fashion with respect to said sidewall, and a ceiling which also extends in a cantilevered fashion from said side, placed above said base, - a first contact zone with the upper face of the panel, provided on said ceiling, - a second contact zone with the lower face of the panel, provided on said base, - a panel locking device comprising at least one pressing element adapted to press, when the panel is put into place, against the lower face of the panel, so that the panel is pushed towards said ceiling;