Glazing Fastener with Gap-Locking Mechanism for Sunshade Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fasteners for sunshades on glazed balconies and windows are prone to dirt accumulation, require tool-based installation, and leave visible screw holes, making them difficult to clean and aesthetically unappealing.
Innovation Solution
A fastener system with a support part and a fastening element that includes a locking projection, flexible locking tongue, or rigid locking tip, which is inserted into the gap between the glass sheet and frame, locking into place without additional fastening means, allowing for tool-free installation and easy removal without leaving visible traces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal fasteners circle around the edge profile of the glazing to attach sunshades, then the fasteners provide secure attachment, but dirt and dust accumulate easily in the gap between the fastener and edge profile making them difficult to clean
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the fastening function from a bulky circling metal fastener and concentrates it into a minimal fastening element that fits within the gap between glass and frame, eliminating the source of dirt accumulation while maintaining attachment security
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening element is designed with localized functional features: a support part for insertion into the gap, a fastening element proper, and a locking element with specific geometry (locking projection or locking tongue) that engages with the frame at the precise location needed for secure attachment without compromising cleanliness
2Reliability
If screw fastening is used to attach suspension elements to the frame, then secure attachment is achieved, but screw holes are left visible when sunshades are removed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the fastening action from the visible frame surface by performing it within the hidden gap between glass and frame, so that no fastening marks are visible on the frame when sunshades are removed
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening element acts as an intermediary that transfers the attachment function from the visible frame surface to the hidden gap space, using the locking element to engage with the frame internally without leaving external traces
3Ease of operation
If tongue fasteners are pushed into the gap between glass sheet and frame, then installation is simple, but the fasteners are easily detached by pulling outwards
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening element is segmented into functional components (support part for insertion and locking element for security) that work together to provide both easy installation and secure attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element introduces a dynamic locking mechanism where the locking projection or locking tongue engages with the frame to prevent removal, transforming the simple push-in action into a secure locked state that resists pulling forces
Data Source
AI summary
The fastener is intended to be attached to a glazing element, which has a glass sheet and at least one frame part setting against the surface of the glass sheet. The fastener has a support part and a fastening element to be inserted into the gap between the glass sheet and frame. The fastening element comprises a locking element for locking to the surface of the frame part facing the glass sheet. The fastener installed in place remains in place in the gap between the frame part and glass sheet by means of the locking element without any other attachment elements. The locking element can be a locking projection turning to an angle from the plane of the fastening element, a flexible locking tongue turning to an angle from the plane of the fastening element or a rigid locking tip. The support part may comprise gripping means for attaching to the edge rail of the sunshade. In the method the fastener is attached to a glazing element so that at least part of the fastening element of the fastener is inserted into the gap between the glass sheet and frame part and by locking the fastening element to the surface of the frame part facing the glass sheet.