Glass Roof Profile Assembly With Flexible Polymer Latching Inserts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular canopy structures, such as glass roofs, are expensive due to the need for precise manufacturing of U-shaped profiles with constant edge spacing for reliable assembly, which affects productivity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A modular canopy structure using T-shaped and U-shaped metal profiles with U-shaped polymer attachment sections, featuring flexible polymer flanges that allow for variable spacing and enhanced engagement with T-shaped profiles, ensuring reliable assembly at a lower cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If U-shaped profiles are manufactured with constant edge spacing to ensure reliable assembly, then assembly reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid metal to flexible polymer, allowing the U-shaped profile to accommodate variable edge spacing while maintaining reliable assembly through elastic deformation of the polymer material
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining metal T-shaped profiles with polymer U-shaped attachment sections, where the polymer component provides flexibility to accommodate manufacturing variations while ensuring reliable connection
2Reliability
If U-shaped profiles are manufactured with constant edge spacing for reliable assembly, then assembly reliability is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid metal to flexible polymer, allowing the U-shaped profile to accommodate variable edge spacing while maintaining reliable assembly through elastic deformation of the polymer material
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a polymer attachment section that can be easily manufactured and replaced, providing a cost-effective solution that tolerates manufacturing variations without requiring expensive precision machining
3Ease of manufacture
If polymer attachment sections are used with variable spacing, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but connection strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid metal to flexible polymer, allowing the U-shaped profile to accommodate variable edge spacing while maintaining reliable assembly through elastic deformation of the polymer material
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curved or rounded geometric features in the polymer attachment section design to distribute stresses and maintain connection strength while accommodating variable spacing requirements
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 use of polymer attachment sections enables less precise U-profiles, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining a secure and efficient assembly process.
Implementation Method 1
the two free wings elastically move apart when the middle wing is forcibly engaged between the two, then come back into contact inside the grooves when the two return edges of the U-shaped profile rest against the wall edges
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a canopy structure comprising a plurality of T-shaped profile members (10) each having a middle flange (12) and two free flanges (14, 16); and a plurality of metal U-shaped profile members (38) each having two opposing flanges (42, 44) extended by two edges (46, 48) folded towards one another. The structure further comprises a plurality of latching U-shaped profiled sections (58) made of polymeric material, each comprising two retaining flanges (60, 62) and two opposing latching flanges (64, 66). The latching U-shaped profiled sections (58) are suitable for being inserted into each of said U-shaped profile members (38) so that said retaining flanges (60, 62) engage with said folded edges (46, 48), while said middle flange (12) engages between said two latching flanges (64, 66).