Concealed Glass Clip Assembly for Fastener-Free Appearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glass clips used in the construction industry to support plate glass often detract from the visual appeal of transparent or translucent walls and barriers due to visible fasteners, which can compromise the aesthetic intent of architectural designs.
Innovation Solution
A glass clip design featuring a concealing cap that slidably engages with grooved edges of planar elements to hide fasteners, combined with resilient elastomeric pads for enhanced grip and a spring-biased pin for secure engagement, ensuring a visually uniform and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If fasteners are used to join the opposed planar elements, then the structural integrity of the glass clip is ensured, but the visual appearance of the glass installation is compromised due to exposed fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
The fasteners are extracted from the visible exterior surface and relocated to the interior of the grooved planar element. The concealing cap covers the fastener holes, removing the visual intrusion of fasteners from the glass installation while maintaining their structural function internally
Solution Approach 2:
The fasteners are nested within the grooved planar element structure, specifically within recessed areas that are then covered by the concealing cap. This nesting arrangement hides the fasteners inside the clip assembly while preserving their joining function
2Strength
If the clip structure is made robust to ensure structural integrity, then the strength is improved, but the visual inconspicuousness is worsened due to visible structural components
Solution Approach 1:
The concealing cap is applied selectively to specific locations where fasteners are visible, rather than covering the entire clip structure. This localized approach maintains structural visibility where needed while concealing fasteners only at critical visual points
Solution Approach 2:
The concealing cap is designed to match the visual characteristics of the grooved planar element, creating a uniform appearance. The cap's surface properties are tailored to blend with the surrounding clip structure, making the transition invisible
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 solution effectively conceals fasteners, maintaining structural integrity while enhancing the visual appeal of glass installations by eliminating visible mechanical elements, thus aligning with the aesthetic goals of architectural designs.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-biased pin for secure engagement
Implementation Method 2
resilient elastomeric pads for enhanced grip
Data Source
AI summary
Glass clips comprising a pair of opposed planar elements separated and joined by fasteners to an attachment means are employed to grasp, support or suspend a plate glass from a stable structure such as a rail, post or flooring. The suspended glass creates a transparent wall or bather that is valued for its expansive and uncluttered visual effect. Glass clips employed in this manner can be more decorative, less functional and contribute to the overall aesthetics and ambience of the setting when a concealing cap conforming generally to the dimensions of the opposed planar elements and configured to slidably engage with one of the planar elements to envelope the surface of that element and conceal any fasteners used to join the elements.