Glazing Frame Assembly with Snap-Connection for Pull-Out Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glazing support structures face challenges in providing both structural strength and a visually appealing, thin face appearance while being resistant to pull-out forces such as wind pressure, often requiring lengthy and expensive construction methods or complex installation processes.
Innovation Solution
The development of a glazing frame assembly with a spinal element and glazing bar connection unit featuring snap support arms and a snap hook element, which provides enhanced resistance to pull-out forces and a clean, connection-line-free appearance by allowing for easier installation and snap-connection of glazing bars.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional glazing support structures use thicker profiles to resist pull-out forces, then structural strength is improved, but the visual appearance becomes less appealing due to increased face width
Solution Approach 1:
The glazing support structure is divided into a visible face portion and a hidden rear portion. The face portion maintains a thin, aesthetically pleasing profile, while the rear portion extends backward to provide sufficient structural strength and resistance to pull-out forces. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its function independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural strength is achieved by extending the support structure in the depth dimension (perpendicular to the glass surface) rather than increasing the face width. The L-shaped or U-shaped cross-section utilizes the third dimension to provide anchoring strength while keeping the visible face thin.
2Strength
If complex installation methods are used to achieve strong structural support, then structural strength is improved, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The glazing support structures are pre-assembled into modular units with integrated strengthening features before installation. The L-shaped or U-shaped cross-sections are formed during manufacturing, eliminating the need for complex field assembly operations and reducing installation time while maintaining structural integrity.
3Strength
If more material is used in the support structure, then structural strength is improved, but material consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure concentrates material where it is most needed for structural strength - in the rear portion that provides anchoring resistance to pull-out forces. The visible face portion uses minimal material to maintain aesthetics, while the hidden rear portion contains the bulk of the material for structural performance.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing material in the visible face width, the structure extends in the depth dimension to provide strength. This dimensional shift allows achieving structural requirements with less total material by optimizing the distribution along the L-shaped or U-shaped profile.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A glazing frame assembly comprises glazing frame base profile that has cross section which comprises elongated spinal element, glass support element and glazing bar connection unit. The glazing bar connection unit comprises snap support arm, lean support jag and top end. The glazing frame also comprises glazing bar profile that has a cross section which comprises bar spinal element and snap hook element. The top end element protrudes away from the spinal element beyond the lean support jag by at least the thickness of the bar spinal element.