Guard Rail Panel Clamping Structure for One-Sided Vertical Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing guard rail panel fastening systems require complex and difficult vertical orientation and fixing processes, often necessitating access from both sides, which is unsafe at heights, and are prone to errors due to varying channel widths and panel lengths, leading to uneven fixation.
Innovation Solution
A device with a U-shaped support element and movable clamping elements that allow vertical orientation and fixation of panels from one side, using a single actuating device to pivot and clamp the panel into position, minimizing material requirements and simplifying the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple adjusting elements are used to achieve vertical orientation of the guard rail panel, then the orientation precision is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the orientation function from multiple separate adjusting elements and concentrates it into a single integrated support element with a movable clamping element. This support element can be inserted into the guide channel and rotated to orient the panel vertically, eliminating the need for multiple adjusting elements while maintaining orientation precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The support element serves multiple functions: it provides initial support for the panel, enables vertical orientation through rotation, and facilitates clamping when rotated into position. This multi-functionality replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate components, reducing device complexity while maintaining operational precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjusting elements are arranged to allow orientation from both sides, then the orientation flexibility is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to safety concerns at height
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the operation into two distinct phases: insertion/orientation from the mounting side, and clamping from the mounting side. The support element is designed to be inserted and oriented from the safe mounting side, with the clamping element capable of rotation and clamping without requiring access from the drop side, thus maintaining flexibility while ensuring operational safety.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the guide channel width varies, then the adaptability to different panels is improved, but the manufacturing precision of fixation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping element is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to adapt to varying guide channel widths. When the support element is rotated into the clamping position, the movable clamping element automatically adjusts to engage the panel at the correct position, ensuring precise fixation regardless of the guide channel's specific dimensions while maintaining versatility across different panel sizes.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adjusting elements are used, then the orientation capability is improved, but the loss of time during installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple adjusting elements into a single support element with a movable clamping element. This unified component can be inserted into the guide channel and rotated to the correct orientation in one operation, eliminating the time-consuming sequence of adjusting multiple separate elements while maintaining full orientation capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for fastening a panel in a floor profile, having a floor-side floor profile with a guide channel of U-shaped cross section, a support element arranged in the guide channel, is U-shaped and has a fastening channel, wherein support walls form an introduction opening for introducing the panel with their edges facing away from a rest face. At least one movably attached clamping element is provided on each support wall and interacts with an associated working face on the support wall such that the clamping element is movable from a starting position, into an end position, and back and effects clamping of the panel arranged in the fastening channel between the support walls. An actuating device is included, which is connected to at least one clamping element and arranged on the mounting side and via which the clamping element is moved and the panel is clamped in the fastening channel.