Interlocking Corner Block for Façade Panel Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for storing and transporting façade panels, particularly glass panels with uneven edges, face challenges in protecting the panels from damage during transportation and do not allow for efficient stacking due to cumbersome corner blocks.
Innovation Solution
A corner block design featuring a vertical wall with an L-shape and a support plate, allowing for interlocking with adjacent blocks for stacking, along with a retainer and receiver mechanism to secure the panels and facilitate easy handling and transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional corner blocks are used to protect façade panel corners, then the panels are protected from damage, but the corner blocks are cumbersome to apply and remove and do not allow for stacking panels
Solution Approach 1:
The corner block is divided into multiple functional segments: a protective arm for corner protection, a support plate for stacking, and a retainer mechanism for securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, making the overall system easier to apply and remove while enabling stacking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple functions into a single integrated corner block assembly: corner protection, stacking support, and retention are combined in one device. The support plate is integrated with the protective arm, and the retainer is built into the structure, eliminating the need for separate components and simplifying application and removal operations.
2Reliability
If traditional corner blocks are used to protect façade panel corners, then the panels are protected from damage, but the corner blocks do not provide for stacking panels on top of each other
Solution Approach 1:
The corner block is designed with multi-functionality: it provides corner protection through its protective arm, enables stacking through the support plate, and secures panels through the retainer mechanism. This universal design allows the same device to perform multiple functions simultaneously, making it adaptable to both protection and stacking requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The support plate extends in a dimension perpendicular to the protective arm, creating a three-dimensional structure that enables stacking. By adding this vertical dimension to the traditional two-dimensional corner block design, the invention enables panels to be stacked on top of each other while maintaining corner protection.
3Ease of operation
If façade panels are transported without specialized corner blocks, then handling is simpler, but the panels are more susceptible to damage during transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The protective arm extends beyond the corner of the façade panel to provide cushioning and protection before any damage can occur. This protruding structure acts as a buffer against impacts and abrasion during transportation, protecting the corner from harmful factors while maintaining handling simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The corner block acts as an intermediary between the façade panel and the external environment during transportation. It mediates the interaction by providing a protective interface that shields the panel corner from damage while allowing for easy handling and stacking operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices and methods of storing and transporting façade panels are described herein. The systems include a corner block that includes a vertical wall having a first portion and a second portion. The second portion is orthogonal to the first portion and attached to the first portion at a joint. Each of the first portion and the second portion have a receiver at an uppermost edge thereof to receive a lowermost edge of an adjacent corner block. The corner block also includes a support plate. The support plate is orthogonal to the first portion and the second portion. The support plate is spaced upwardly from a lowermost edge of the first portion and a lowermost edge of the second portion. The retainer of includes a first inner member that extends outwardly from the inner surface of the first portion to overhang at least a portion of the support plate.