Glass-to-Timber Connection Element for Reversible Transparent Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting glass and timber elements in timber-glass composites are not reversible and often involve non-transparent adhesives, which are not suitable for renovation projects that require preserving the original appearance of structures.
Innovation Solution
A connection element with a body that can be inserted into or placed over a hole in the glass element, using self-tapping screws to attach to a timber element, combining bonded and friction supports for a hybrid connection that is minimally invasive and provides sufficient load-bearing capacity and stiffness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If adhesives are used to connect glass and timber elements, then the connection strength is improved, but the reversibility and transparency are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate components: a connection element with adhesive bonding surfaces and mechanical fastening features, allowing the adhesive to provide strength while separate fasteners (screws, clips) enable reversibility. The glass element is segmented with holes or grooves that accommodate the connection element without requiring full-surface adhesive application.
Solution Approach 2:
A connection element acts as an intermediary component between the glass and timber elements. This mediator contains adhesive bonding surfaces that attach to the glass, while separate fastening mechanisms attach to the timber, providing both strong connection and reversibility without requiring the adhesive to directly bond glass to timber.
2Strength
If adhesives are used to connect glass and timber elements, then the connection strength is improved, but the visual appearance is degraded due to non-transparent adhesives
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive is extracted from the visible surface and relocated to hidden bonding surfaces. The connection element's adhesive surfaces are positioned on the rear side of the glass or within connection zones that are not visible from the exterior, allowing transparent glass to maintain its visual appearance while adhesive provides the necessary bonding strength in non-visible areas.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the connection system have different properties: the visible glass surfaces maintain transparency and aesthetic quality, while the hidden connection zones contain the non-transparent adhesive material. This local differentiation allows the adhesive to provide strength without degrading the overall visual appearance of the transparent glass element.
3Area of stationary object
If point supports are used instead of linear supports, then the covered area is reduced preserving appearance, but the load-bearing capacity may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connection element combines multiple bonding mechanisms into a composite system: adhesive bonding surfaces provide distributed stress distribution similar to linear supports, while mechanical fasteners (screws, clips) provide concentrated load paths. This composite approach achieves the load-bearing capacity of linear supports while maintaining the minimal visible footprint of point supports.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection element merges adhesive bonding and mechanical fastening into a single integrated component. The adhesive surfaces bond to the glass while mechanical fasteners attach to the timber structure, combining the distributed load distribution of adhesive bonding with the high strength of mechanical connections, achieving both appearance preservation and load-bearing capacity.
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 a reversible and visually unnoticeable connection between glass and timber elements, maintaining structural integrity while allowing easy disassembly, with the use of aluminum for compatibility and reduced corrosion risk.
Implementation Method 1
The connection element is attached to the glass element by means of adhesive material
Implementation Method 2
using self-tapping screws to attach to a timber element
Implementation Method 3
combining bonded and friction supports for a hybrid connection
Data Source
Figure 1A~1F
Figure 1G
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A connection element (10) for connecting a glass element (22) and a timber element (31), the connection element (10) comprises a body (11) for inserting into a hole (25) of the glass element (22) and/or placing over the hole (25) of the glass element (22), wherein the body (11) comprises at least two through holes (18) for receiving at least two screws (32) screwed into the timber element (31).