Glazing Rebate Insert with Spring Clamping for Glass Block Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rebate insert elements for windows and doors fail to securely position glass blocks without additional gluing, leading to potential slipping or falling during assembly and after installation, especially due to production-related tolerances and uneven frame surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A fold insert element with a contact edge and spring elements that clamp the glass block in place, using a one-piece plastic design with injection molding, and additional features like latching elements and guide arms to ensure secure positioning and prevent slipping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If glass blocks are not glued to the rebate insert element, then installation is simpler and faster, but the glass blocks may slip or fall during assembly and after installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidglass block positioning stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The rebate insert element features self-clamping spring elements that automatically engage with the glass block upon insertion. The spring elements exert a clamping force that secures the glass block without requiring external gluing operations, making the system self-securing while maintaining installation simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The spring elements are designed with curved or elastic geometry that allows them to deform and apply continuous clamping pressure on the glass block. This elastic deformation mechanism provides reliable positioning while accommodating manufacturing tolerances

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Reliability

If traditional clamping mechanisms are used to secure glass blocks, then positioning stability is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveglass block positioning stabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring elements are integrated directly into the rebate insert element as a single molded component. This merging of the clamping mechanism with the base element eliminates separate clamping devices, reducing component count while maintaining secure positioning functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring elements are designed to automatically engage and clamp the glass block upon insertion without requiring additional actuators, fasteners, or complex mechanisms. The elastic deformation of the spring elements provides self-adjusting clamping action

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If glass blocks are clamped with high force to prevent slipping, then positioning stability is improved, but the risk of damaging the glass block or frame increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveglass block positioning stabilityVSAvoidrisk of damage to glass block or frame
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The spring elements are designed with optimized elastic properties that allow them to exert sufficient clamping force to prevent slipping while remaining below the damage threshold for glass blocks and frame materials. The force parameter is carefully controlled through material selection and geometric design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The spring elements function as flexible elastic components that can deform under load. This flexibility allows them to apply distributed pressure rather than concentrated point loads, reducing the risk of local stress concentrations that could damage the glass block or frame

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

The fold insert element securely holds glass blocks in place during assembly and post-installation, compensates for production-related tolerances, and allows for easy installation without additional gluing, ensuring stability and material efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

at least one spring element is formed on the opposite longitudinal side, which an inserted blocking element in a direction parallel to the bearing surface presses against the edge of the abutment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3045649B1Glazing rebate insert element for a window or a door
Publication Date: 2017.06.28 SCHUECO INTERNATIONAL KG
  • EP3045649B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3045649B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3045649B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a rebate insert element (30) for a window or door for supporting a glazing block element (26), wherein the rebate insert element (30) has a profiled underside (32) for resting on a profile of the window or door and a substantially flat bearing surface (31) for supporting the glazing block element (26). The rebate insert element (30) is characterized in that a contact edge (40) extending beyond the bearing surface (31) is formed at least partially on a front longitudinal side of the rebate insert element (30), and that at least one spring element (39) is formed on an opposite rear longitudinal side, which is configured to press an inserted glazing block element (26) against the contact edge (40) in a direction parallel to the bearing surface (31).