Glass Floor Support Mechanism with Adjustable Receiver
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanisms for supporting and positioning glass floor units are complex to install, vulnerable to deleterious contact with the base, and lack the ability to alter the surface contour or maintain fire-retarding characteristics post-installation.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism comprising a metallic receiver fixed to the base, a rotatable support contacting the laminated glass floor unit, and an adjuster with a threaded connection allowing for relative movement, enabling easy installation, protection from base contact, and alteration of the walking surface contour while maintaining fire ratings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing mechanisms are used to support glass floor units, then the glass floor unit can be supported, but the installation becomes complex and the mechanism is vulnerable to deleterious contact with the base
Solution Approach 1:
The support mechanism is divided into separate components: a receiver embedded in the base, a support element that contacts the glass, and an adjuster for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying installation while ensuring the glass is properly supported and protected from direct contact with the base.
Solution Approach 2:
The support element acts as an intermediary between the receiver (fixed to the base) and the glass floor unit. This intermediary component protects the glass from deleterious contact with the base while allowing controlled support and positioning, resolving the contradiction between protection and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the glass floor unit is fixed to the base, then support is provided, but the ability to alter surface contour post-installation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The support mechanism incorporates an adjuster that allows dynamic modification of the support element's position relative to the glass floor unit. This enables the surface contour to be altered post-installation by adjusting the support element's height or position, providing adaptability while maintaining ease of operation through a simple adjustment mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver is pre-installed in the base during construction, allowing the support mechanism to be in place before the glass floor unit is fully installed. This preliminary action enables subsequent contour adjustments to be made easily after installation by simply operating the adjuster mechanism.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple support mechanism is used, then ease of installation is improved, but the ability to maintain fire retarding characteristics is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism uses a localized receiver embedded in the base at specific support points, rather than requiring a complex overall structure. This localized approach maintains fire retarding characteristics at critical interface points while keeping the overall installation simple. The receiver can be constructed from fire-rated materials and integrated into the base's fire barrier system.
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 mechanism simplifies installation, protects the glass floor unit from base contact, allows for surface contour modification, and maintains fire retardant properties, ensuring a high fire rating and ease of operation post-installation.
Implementation Method 1
The receiver may have a threaded portion that threadingly engages a threaded portion of the adjuster
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanism for supporting and positioning a glass floor unit relative to a base utilizing a support positioned to contact the glass floor unit. An adjuster interacts with a receiver fixed to the base. The adjuster includes a contact element which moves the support and exerts a force against the glass floor unit in an upward direction.