Dual Glazing Panel System with Interlocking Seam Flange
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing systems for assembling and installing modular upstanding seam flange glazing panels are complex, time-consuming, and require excessive materials due to direct metal-to-polycarbonate engagement, leading to unnecessary weight and reduced light transmission, while also struggling to accommodate horizontal expansion and contraction effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing interlocking metal male and female engagement members with sawteeth that provide a unique metal-to-metal retention mechanism, allowing for reduced panel flange skin thickness, fewer retention clips, and easier assembly and installation, while accommodating expansion and contraction through resilient areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If direct metal-to-polycarbonate engagement is used, then retention strength is improved, but panel flange skin thickness must be increased and material usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
A resilient batten joint connector is introduced as an intermediary element between the metal retention clip and the polycarbonate panel flange. The connector includes a cavity with sawteeth that engage the flange, distributing loads across a broader area and preventing stress concentration that would require thicker skin. This mediator allows thin-skinned panels to achieve adequate retention strength without excessive material usage.
2Strength
If closely spaced retention clips are used, then wind load resistance is improved, but assembly complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple retention clips are merged into a single elongated resilient batten joint connector that spans the width of the panel flange. This consolidated connector provides distributed wind load resistance across the entire flange width, eliminating the need for multiple closely spaced clips. The unified structure reduces assembly complexity while maintaining or improving wind load resistance.
3Reliability
If thick panel flange skin is used, then cracking prevention under load is improved, but light transmission is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient batten joint connector provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing and distributing loads before they can concentrate on the panel flange skin. The cavity with sawteeth engages the flange in a manner that prevents stress concentration, allowing thin-skinned panels to resist cracking under load without requiring excessive skin thickness that would block light transmission.
4Strength
If numerous retention clips are used, then load distribution is improved, but installation time and skill requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple retention clips are consolidated into a single elongated resilient batten joint connector that provides distributed load resistance across the panel flange width. This unified connector maintains the load distribution benefits of multiple clips while dramatically reducing the number of components to install, thereby reducing installation time and skill requirements.
5Device complexity
If single panel units are used, then structural strength is reduced, but additional supporting elements are required
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient batten joint connector is designed with built-in reinforcement features that preliminarily strengthen the panel flange assembly before loading occurs. The cavity structure and sawtooth engagement create a mechanically reinforced connection that enables single panel units to achieve adequate structural strength without requiring additional external supporting elements.
Data Source
AI summary
A transparent or translucent modular upstanding seam flange panel unit comprising opposed seam flange panels mounted in metal male and female engagement members designed to interlock and provide an internal gutter for collecting infiltrating water and for accommodating lateral expansion and contraction of the panels as well as a method for erecting an architectural structure for passing sunlight into an interior region of a building using such panel units.