Improved glass panel clamp assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glass panel clamp assemblies require access to both the interior and exterior of the shower enclosure for installation, increasing installation time and cost.
Innovation Solution
A glass panel clamp assembly that can be installed entirely from outside the shower enclosure, utilizing a clamp base with a floating nut and trim panels that allow for secure attachment of glass panels without interior access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional clamp assembly is used that requires access to both interior and exterior of the shower enclosure, then the glass panel can be securely installed, but the installation time and cost increase due to the need for dual-side access
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly is divided into separate functional components: a clamp base with mounting tabs for floor attachment, a clamp plate for glass contact, and a clamp screw for securing. This segmentation allows the mounting function to be performed from the exterior while the clamping function secures the glass from the same side, eliminating the need for interior access.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating nut acts as an intermediary element that enables the clamp screw to engage with the clamp base from the exterior side only. The floating nut is received within a recess in the clamp base, allowing the clamp screw to pass through the clamp plate and engage the floating nut without requiring access to the interior of the shower enclosure.
2Reliability
If a traditional clamp assembly requiring dual-side access is used, then proper clamping can be achieved, but installation cost increases due to extended installation time
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly is segmented into exterior-installable components (clamp base with floating nut recess, clamp plate, clamp screw) that work together to provide secure clamping. The mounting tabs are integrated with the clamp base, allowing all clamping functions to be accomplished from exterior access only.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating nut is designed to be self-retaining within the recess of the clamp base through engagement features such as a rim that engages an undercut groove. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional interior fastening operations, reducing installation complexity and cost.
3Reliability
If interior access is required for installation, then proper securing of the glass panel can be achieved, but the aesthetic appearance is compromised by visible interior hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The floating nut serves as a mediator that enables secure clamping while remaining concealed. It is received within the recess of the clamp base, allowing the clamp screw to engage from the exterior without exposing fastening hardware on the interior side, thus maintaining aesthetic appearance while ensuring proper securing.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening function is extracted and relocated to the exterior side of the glass panel through the floating nut and clamp screw arrangement. This extraction removes the need for visible interior hardware, as all securing operations are performed from the exterior where trim panels can conceal the components.
4Loss of time
If exterior-only installation is enabled, then installation time is reduced, but the clamp assembly design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly is segmented into modular components (clamp base, clamp plate, floating nut, clamp screw, trim panels) with clearly defined functions. This segmentation simplifies the overall design by allowing each component to be optimized for its specific purpose while working together to achieve exterior-only installation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating nut acts as a compact intermediary element that provides the necessary engagement interface between the clamp screw and clamp base. Its design with a rim for engagement with an undercut groove creates a simple yet effective mechanism that enables exterior-only installation without requiring complex internal mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
An improved glass panel clamp assembly which may be entirely installed from the outside of a shower enclosure, is presented. The improved glass panel clamp assembly includes a clamp base and a clamp plate where the clamp base is configured with a slot for the receipt of a floating nut. The use of a floating nut on the clamp base eliminates the need for an installer to access the interior of the shower enclosure to secure a glass panel between the clamp base and the clamp plate. The improved glass panel clamp assembly also includes trim panels which secured to exposed faces of both the clamp base and the clamp plate to provide for improved aesthetic appearance.