Glass Panel Clamping Fitting With Arc-Based Inclination Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing glass panel holding systems face challenges in adjusting vertical inclination efficiently and safely, often requiring specialized tools and multiple adjustments, and do not provide uniform clamping pressure, especially when dealing with varying clearances and inclinations.

Innovation Solution

A wedge-shaped fitting system with a fixed and movable part, where the movable part can move along a circular arc to adjust inclination, allowing easy and tool-free installation, and includes resin infusion for stabilization, ensuring uniform clamping pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If simple wedge-shaped gaskets are used, then the solution is cost-effective and simple, but the ability to adjust vertical inclination is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity and cost-effectivenessVSAvoidadjustment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The fitting incorporates a movable part that can dynamically adjust its position along a circular arc to accommodate varying vertical inclinations of glass panels, transforming a static simple gasket into an adaptive component that maintains both simplicity and adjustability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The fitting is divided into distinct functional segments: a fixed part that provides stable mounting and a movable part that enables inclination adjustment, allowing each segment to perform its specific function while working together as an integrated system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If two wedge-shaped gaskets are used, then adjustment to specific clearances is possible, but the same technical problems and time-consuming placement-removal procedure persist

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment to clearancesVSAvoidplacement-removal time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the adjustment function and clamping function into a single integrated fitting component, eliminating the need for multiple separate gaskets and reducing the number of placement and removal operations required

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The movable part automatically adjusts to the correct position through its own geometry and the applied load, eliminating the need for repeated testing and adjustment by the installer

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If cassette-type holding systems with movable and fixed parts are used, then adjustment and clamping are achieved, but the system becomes complex and requires specialized tools

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment and clamping capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity and tool requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the essential adjustment and clamping functions from the complex cassette system, retaining only the critical elements (fixed part and movable part with circular arc geometry) while eliminating unnecessary complexity and tool requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The movable part utilizes a circular arc geometry that naturally guides the adjustment motion and provides self-centering, replacing complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with a simple curved surface that achieves the same function more elegantly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

4Reliability

If movable parts with bolting are used, then holding is achieved, but vertical inclination adjustment is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholding capabilityVSAvoidinclination adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The fitting transitions from a static bolted connection to a dynamic system where the movable part can shift position along the circular arc to accommodate inclination changes while maintaining reliable holding through friction and geometric interlocking

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables easy, safe, and reliable adjustment of glass panel inclination without specialized tools, providing uniform clamping pressure and stable fixation, suitable for various dimensions and thicknesses, enhancing structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.

Implementation Method 1

the movable part of the fitting can move along circular arc occupying various inclined positions relative to the imaginary vertical axis of the fixed part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCircular arc motion: Geometry

Implementation Method 2

providing uniform clamping pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4350156B1Holding, clamping and adjustment fitting of glass panel vertical inclination within holding section
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 KONTOS NIKOLAOS
  • EP4350156B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4350156B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4350156B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A holding, clamping and adjustment fitting (1) of glass panel (6) vertical inclination within a holding section (5) is proposed, characterized in that it comprises a wedge-shaped fixed part (2), one side of which is flat and in assembled state of the glass panel (6) contacts the section (5), and a movable part (3), wherein one side (4) of the movable part in assembled state of the glass panel (6) contacts the glass panel (6) and is flat and the opposite side contacting the fixed part (2) is convex and fully or partially contacts the surface of the fixed part (2), which is correspondingly concave, so that the movable part (3) can move along circular arc occupying various inclined positions relative to the imaginary vertical axis of the fixed part (2), so that the side (4) of the movable part (3) in assembled state of the glass panel (6) contacting the glass panel (6) adopts the proper inclination relative to section (5) and glass panel (6) geometry concurrently.