Edge-Lit Glass Wall Framing for Heavy Panel Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glass wall panel systems struggle to support heavy and operable glass panels in various configurations while integrating an edge-lighting assembly without increasing cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A glass space partitioning system utilizing extruded aluminum framing members with snap-fit profiles and a flexible LED strip for edge-lighting, allowing for secure mounting and uniform illumination of glass panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a specialized framing assembly is used to support heavy glass panels, then structural support capacity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The framing member is designed with a universal multi-functional structure that simultaneously provides structural support for heavy glass panels and integrates the LED lighting system. The U-shaped profile with intermediate and cover profiles creates a multi-functional assembly that serves both structural and illumination purposes, eliminating the need for separate specialized framing assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the structural framing function with the LED lighting function into a single integrated assembly. The LED strip is positioned within the framing member's profile, combining what would traditionally be separate components (structural frame and lighting system) into one unified structure, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
2Illumination intensity
If an LED-strip light assembly is integrated into the framing member, then illumination uniformity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The LED strip is pre-positioned within the framing member during manufacturing, allowing the lighting assembly to be prepared in advance. The snap-fit profiles are designed to accommodate the LED strip in a predetermined position, enabling preliminary assembly of the lighting component before final installation, which simplifies the overall manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The framing member is segmented into distinct profiles (U-shaped profile, intermediate profile, cover profile) that can be manufactured separately and assembled through snap-fit connections. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard extrusion processes, reducing manufacturing complexity while enabling precise positioning of the LED strip for uniform illumination.
3Ease of operation
If snap-fit profiles are used in the framing member, then ease of assembly is improved, but structural strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The framing member utilizes composite construction with multiple profiles (U-shaped aluminum profile, intermediate profile, cover profile) that work together to provide both ease of assembly and structural strength. The combination of these profiles creates a composite structure where each component contributes to both the snap-fit assembly capability and the overall structural integrity required to support heavy glass panels.
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 effectively supports heavy glass panels in multiple configurations and provides a uniform full-pane backlit effect with reduced assembly complexity and cost, enabling flexible and efficient installation.
Implementation Method 1
A flexible LED strip 70 is fitted within an alcove between the intermediate profile and glass pane, exposing the LEDs vertically to the glass pane(s) proximate their edge, which illuminates each glass panels indirectly from the bottom side
Data Source
AI summary
A glass space partitioning system that is capable of supporting heavy and/or operable glass panels in throughout a range of partially-integrated or fully-integrated configurations, and which integrates an LED-strip light assembly for edge-lighting the glass panels. The system generally includes a framing member comprising a U-shaped horizontal profile with side walls, an intermediate profile attached to the U-shaped profile, a glass pane seated edgewise between a side wall of the U-shaped profile and the intermediate profile, a flexible LED strip cut to length and snap-fit in a vertical orientation against the side wall of the U-shaped profile and adjacent the glass pane for edge lighting, and a cover profile attached to the intermediate profile securing the foregoing.