Impact Glazing with Elastic Washers for Thermal Stress

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing glazing systems for barriers, such as garage doors, face challenges in providing impact and water infiltration resistance due to deformation and fracture issues caused by attachment mechanisms, particularly with polycarbonate sheets, which are exacerbated by thermal and mechanical stresses.

Innovation Solution

A glazing system featuring impact glazing with apertures around its periphery, secured by fasteners with elastic washers to allow expansion and contraction, and bezels on both surfaces with adhesive seals to prevent water and air infiltration, ensuring secure attachment without stressing the glazing material.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If through-bolts are used to attach polycarbonate sheets, then secure attachment is achieved, but the polycarbonate sheet fractures over time due to thermal and mechanical expansion and contraction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidlong-term reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs rubber grommets with recesses that receive the bolts, creating a cushioning layer between the rigid bolt and the polycarbonate sheet. This beforehand cushioning accommodates thermal and mechanical expansion and contraction, preventing the sheet from fracturing while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The rubber grommet acts as an intermediary element between the bolt and the polycarbonate sheet. It mediates the connection by providing flexibility and stress distribution, allowing the rigid bolt to securely attach the sheet while accommodating material movement without causing fracture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If clamping type assembly is used to secure polycarbonate sheet, then attachment is achieved, but the sheet deforms and becomes dislodged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidsheet shape stability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The rubber grommet provides beforehand cushioning by deforming elastically under the clamping force, distributing the stress over a larger area of the polycarbonate sheet. This prevents localized deformation and maintains the sheet's shape stability while achieving secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the attachment system by introducing a compliant rubber material that can deform elastically. This parameter change allows the attachment mechanism to adapt to the polycarbonate sheet's properties, preventing deformation and dislodgement while maintaining secure fastening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If plywood or boards are nailed over openings, then impact protection is provided, but the procedure is time consuming and disfigures the exterior

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact resistanceVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The impact-resistant glazing is pre-installed in the barrier structure before storms occur. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming boarding up procedures when storms approach, while maintaining both impact protection and aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the temporary, disposable nature of plywood boarding with a permanent, reusable glazing system. The glazing provides ongoing impact protection without needing to be repeatedly installed and removed, saving time and maintaining appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 system effectively enhances the resistance of glazing to impact and water infiltration while allowing for thermal expansion and contraction, reducing the risk of material failure and maintaining aesthetic appeal.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic washer, positioned between the fastener head and the impact glazing to allow for expansion and contraction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

adhesive seals are provided between the inner bezel and the panel adjacent the outer periphery of the inner bezel, and between the outer bezel and the outer surface of the impact glazing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS7954285B2Method of infiltration and impact resistant construction for glazing in a barrier

Publication Date: 2011.06.07 OVERHEAD DOOR CORP

AI summary

A glazing system for use with a barrier that has a panel with an opening is disclosed. An impact glazing, which covers the opening, includes an inner surface and an outer surface and a plurality of apertures around its periphery. A fastener having a fastener head passes through each corresponding aperture and into the panel. The glazing system also includes an elastically deformable washer positioned between each fastener head and the impact glazing. The glazing system may also include an inner bezel covering the periphery of the glazing on the inner surface and an outer bezel covering the periphery of the glazing on the outer surface, wherein the bezels are secured to the barrier and the glazing by a corresponding piece of adhesive tape.