Glazing Attachment Shock Absorber for Impact Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Frameless glazing systems face challenges in achieving sufficient impact resistance, particularly during hurricane conditions, due to localized stresses around fixing holes, which are inadequate for withstanding high wind loads and debris impacts, failing to meet stringent building codes like ASTM E 1996-08.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a shock absorber in the attachment assembly between the glazing fitting and the support, allowing relative movement upon impact, which can be compressible and located within a bore or associated with the glazing fitting, to dissipate kinetic energy and enhance impact resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional mechanical assembly is designed for wind load and thermal expansion, then the structural strength is sufficient for normal conditions, but the impact resistance is inadequate for hurricane conditions with airborne debris
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a shock absorber component into the attachment assembly that is pre-positioned to absorb and dissipate impact energy from airborne debris during hurricanes. This beforehand cushioning allows the assembly to withstand high-velocity impacts without failing, while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that does not require complex active control systems or multiple redundant components.
2Strength
If the attachment assembly is made rigid to withstand wind loads, then the structural stability is improved, but the ability to absorb impact energy from debris is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a shock absorber component that provides dynamic response to impact loads. This component allows controlled movement and energy dissipation during debris impact events, while maintaining structural stability under normal wind loads and thermal expansion conditions. The dynamic element enables the assembly to adapt its stiffness characteristics based on the applied load type.
3Ease of manufacture
If holes are drilled through the glazing panel for mechanical fittings, then the ease of installation is improved, but the localized stress concentration reduces impact resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a shock absorber as an intermediary component between the glazing panel and the structural support. This mediator absorbs and dissipates impact energy before it can concentrate at the hole locations where mechanical fittings are attached. The shock absorber protects the stress-concentrated areas around the holes while maintaining the simplicity of drilled-hole installation.
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 shock absorber significantly improves the impact resistance of glazing panels by dampening shock waves and dissipating energy, enabling the glazing system to meet higher impact standards, such as ASTM E 1996-08, by allowing movement and energy absorption, thus enhancing the structural integrity and safety of the glazing assembly.
Implementation Method 1
the shock absorber significantly improves the impact resistance of glazing panels by dampening shock waves and dissipating energy
Implementation Method 2
allowing relative movement upon impact, which can be compressible and located within a bore or associated with the glazing fitting, to dissipate kinetic energy
Data Source
AI summary
A glazing system for a building comprising a glazing panel, a support and an attachment assembly for attaching the glazing panel to the support is disclosed. The attachment assembly comprises a mounting secured to the support and a glazing fitting secured to the glazing panel. The mounting comprises a mounting member and the glazing fitting comprises a hook portion and the mounting is connected to the glazing fitting by a connection between the hook portion and the mounting member. The attachment assembly further comprises a shock absorber that allows the attachment assembly to move relative to the support upon applying an impact to the glazing panel, thereby improving the impact resistance of the glazing panel. Mountings and fittings for use in such glazing systems are also disclosed, as are methods of improving the impact resistance of a suspended glazing panel.