Adjustable Clamp Fitting for Glass Pane Thickness Adaptation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamp fittings for glass panes face challenges in adaptability to different thicknesses, with limited adjustability and requiring multiple spacer sets or low-force clamping screws, which restrict their usability across various pane thicknesses.
Innovation Solution
A clamp fitting design featuring adjustable coupling legs with interlocking tooth profiles and an angled bore web for enhanced stability and adjustability, allowing for secure attachment to panes of varying thicknesses using a central retaining screw and clamping screws with fine threads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a clamping screw is used to brace meshing teeth, then the connection can be assembled, but the screw can only withstand low forces and cannot support the weight of a disc
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanism is divided into two functional parts: coupling legs for positioning and clamping plates for force transmission. The coupling legs with interlocking teeth provide the primary structural support and positioning, while the clamping plates transmit the clamping force directly to the pane edge, eliminating the need for a weak clamping screw to bear the disc weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling legs feature asymmetric interlocking teeth with different engagement directions. The teeth are designed to engage in a specific orientation that provides both positioning and load-bearing capacity, allowing the structure to withstand forces much greater than a standard clamping screw could support.
2Adaptability or versatility
If spacers are used to adjust the distance between clamping plates, then different pane thicknesses can be accommodated, but multiple spacer sets must be kept ready for every possible pane thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling legs are designed with movable and adjustable positioning capabilities. The distance between the clamping plates can be dynamically adjusted by repositioning the coupling legs along the pane edge, allowing a single clamp fitting to adapt to various pane thicknesses without requiring multiple fixed spacer sets.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling legs serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, enable positioning adjustment for different thicknesses, and facilitate the interlocking mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate spacer components for each thickness variation.
3Ease of manufacture
If an access hole is provided in the outer profile for the clamping screw, then the screw can be installed, but the same outer profile cannot be used for different pane thicknesses
Solution Approach 1:
The access hole requirement is extracted from the outer profile design. Instead of incorporating an access hole in the standardized profile, the assembly method allows the coupling legs to be positioned and interlocked first, with the clamping plates then securing the pane edge. This eliminates the need for profile modifications while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~2c
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The clamp fitting (1) comprises two opposite clamping plates (3,8) with a border area of a disk (2), and are held in a clamped manner. The clamping plates have a coupled leg (4,9) in each case, where the clamping plates are extended, so that the coupled legs are connected by overlapping in multiple positions.