Point-Supported Glass Wall Assemblies with Integrated Guide Tracks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional glass wall systems require extensive structural support, which is costly and limits architectural design options, and the process of drilling holes in glass panels for attachment is time-consuming and affects the aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring a guide track within a mullion and a fitting that supports construction sections, allowing for adjustable and point-supported retention of glass panels without the need for extensive horizontal and vertical supports, reducing material costs and enhancing design flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional point-supported glass wall systems use extensive horizontal and vertical support members, then structural integrity is improved, but material costs and construction time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is segmented into discrete vertical mullions with integrated guide tracks, eliminating the need for extensive horizontal and vertical support members. Each mullion is an independent structural element that can be positioned at optimal locations, reducing overall framework complexity while maintaining structural integrity through point-supported glass panel attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide track is merged with the mullion structure, integrating the support function and the guidance function into a single component. This merging eliminates separate horizontal and vertical support members, reducing material requirements and construction complexity while maintaining the structural integrity needed to support glass panels.
2Strength
If conventional systems use extensive horizontal and vertical support members, then structural integrity is improved, but architectural design flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows dynamic positioning of glass panels along the guide tracks within the mullions, enabling flexible architectural designs. The guide track facilitates adjustable panel positions and orientations, allowing architects to customize the appearance and functionality of glass walls while maintaining structural integrity through the vertical mullion support system.
3Reliability
If holes are drilled in glass panes for bolt attachment, then secure mounting is achieved, but sealing problems and construction time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The guide track is pre-integrated into the mullion structure during manufacturing, providing a ready-made attachment mechanism that eliminates the need for on-site hole drilling in glass panes. This preliminary preparation of the mounting interface reduces construction time and avoids sealing problems associated with drilling, while maintaining secure mounting through the integrated guide track and bolt attachment system.
4Strength
If conventional frameworks use substantial structural elements, then support capability is improved, but aesthetic appeal is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The extensive horizontal and vertical support members are extracted from the framework, retaining only the essential vertical mullions with integrated guide tracks. This extraction of unnecessary structural elements reduces visual clutter and enhances aesthetic appeal, while the remaining vertical mullions provide sufficient support capability through point-supported glass panel attachment.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed system, method and device for construction generally includes a mullion having a guide track disposed therein and a custom fitting suitably adapted to support a construction section via substantially adjustable attachment to the guide track. Disclosed features and specifications may be optionally controlled, adapted or otherwise modified to improve the retention and/or support of construction sections in a variety of operating environments. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally provide improved aesthetic presentation and mechanical retention of construction panels in point-supported glass wall systems.