Glazed Railing Fastening via Integral Protrusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Postless glazed railing systems face challenges in stability and rigidity due to inadequate fastening methods, which weaken the coupling of glass pane elements to the railing structure, leading to potential detachment during impacts.
Innovation Solution
A fastening system featuring a horizontal rail with integral tightening protrusions and a threaded chamber, combined with a rotatable pushing member, creates a strong, adjustable, and sealed connection between the glass and the railing, distributing forces effectively across the glazing elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If postless glazed railing systems are used to achieve architectural simplicity and cost reduction, then the visual continuity and aesthetic appeal are improved, but the stability and rigidity of the railing structure deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The glass pane is divided into multiple sections with vertical mullions separating them, allowing the postless design to maintain visual continuity while the mullions provide structural reinforcement at critical intervals to prevent glass detachment during impacts
Solution Approach 2:
The glazing groove is designed with preliminary sealing features and the glass is pre-positioned with adequate bearing surface contact before final fastening, ensuring that the connection is prepared to withstand impact forces from the beginning of installation
2Ease of manufacture
If simplified fastening methods are used to reduce manufacturing complexity, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the coupling strength between glass and railing structure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function and fastening function are merged into a single integrated glazing groove structure, where the groove simultaneously provides weather sealing through its L-shaped cross-section and mechanical fastening through integrated fastening holes, eliminating the need for separate sealing components
Solution Approach 2:
The glazing groove serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the glass pane, ensures weather tightness through its sealed design, enables mechanical fastening via integrated holes, and distributes impact forces along the glass edge, replacing multiple separate components with a single multi-functional element
3Device complexity
If inadequate fastening structures are used to reduce device complexity, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability of the railing system deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function and fastening function are merged into a single integrated glazing groove structure, where the groove simultaneously provides weather sealing through its L-shaped cross-section and mechanical fastening through integrated fastening holes, eliminating the need for separate sealing components
Solution Approach 2:
The glazing groove is designed with preliminary sealing features and the glass is pre-positioned with adequate bearing surface contact before final fastening, ensuring that the connection is prepared to withstand impact forces from the beginning of installation
4Device complexity
If load is received only by the lower end support to simplify the structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the stability under impact loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The load transfer path is extended from a single-point support at the lower end to a distributed three-dimensional support system involving the lower profile, upper handrail, and vertical mullions, creating multiple load paths that distribute impact forces throughout the entire railing structure
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
This solution enhances the structural integrity and load transfer capabilities of the railing system, preventing glass detachment during impacts and allowing the use of untempered laminated glass, while maintaining a postless design.
Implementation Method 1
a chamber THRN arranged to guide the pushing member PD to push said tightening protrusion PR from the side towards the glazing groove DRG
Implementation Method 2
a seal S contacting the side surface of the glazing G in the glazing groove DRG
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 2
Figure 3~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a glazed railing system and a horizontal rail such as a bottom rail or handrail for the glazed railing system. The horizontal rail (DR) comprises a glazing groove (DRG) for a glazing structure. As the fastening structure (FS) for fastening the glazing structure, the horizontal rail (DR) comprises, in the wall (W) of the horizontal rail, surrounding the glazing groove, an integral tightening protrusion (PR) that may be distanced in relation to the wall, and additionally a chamber (THRN) which is the guide of the pushing member placeable in the chamber, said chamber (THRN) being arranged to guide the pushing element placeable in the chamber to push said integral bendable tightening protrusion (PR) from the side towards the glazing groove (DRG).