Interlocking Glazing Panel Engagement Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current modular glazing panel systems are complex and time-consuming to assemble and install, requiring substantial skill and material, with inefficiencies in load distribution and material usage, and limited ability to accommodate ambient temperature expansion and contraction.
Innovation Solution
The development of interlocking first and second locking engagement members with sawtooth structures and resilient components that armor or clad the seam flanges, allowing for easier assembly and installation of modular upstanding seam flange glazing panel units, reducing material usage, and enhancing structural strength and thermal expansion management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional modular glazing panel systems are used, then structural strength and light transmission are achieved, but assembly and installation become complex and time-consuming requiring substantial skill
Solution Approach 1:
The locking engagement members are divided into separate first and second components that interlock together, allowing independent attachment to each panel. This segmentation enables simpler assembly operations while maintaining the structural strength through the interlocking connection between the two members.
Solution Approach 2:
The first locking engagement member attaches to the flange of one panel while the second locking engagement member attaches to the flange of the adjacent panel, creating a nested interlocking system. The members nest together to form a unified connection that simplifies installation while providing robust structural support.
2Reliability
If traditional assembly methods with multiple retaining clips and battens are used, then panel retention is achieved, but material usage increases and costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second locking engagement members combine multiple functions into a single integrated system. Instead of using separate retaining clips, battens, and fasteners, the interlocking members perform both retention and structural connection functions, reducing overall material consumption while maintaining reliable panel retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking engagement members serve multiple purposes: they retain the panels to the support structure, connect adjacent panels together, and provide structural reinforcement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, reducing material usage while ensuring reliable retention.
3Reliability
If conventional panel attachment systems are used, then basic retention is achieved, but load distribution efficiency decreases and structural performance under substantial loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking engagement members utilize composite construction combining rigid structural elements with resilient sealing components. This composite approach enables efficient load distribution across the panel connection while maintaining reliable retention, as the rigid portions handle mechanical loads and the resilient portions accommodate movement and provide sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking engagement members incorporate resilient components that allow dynamic adjustment to load conditions. The resilient portions can deform elastically under substantial loads to distribute forces more evenly across the connection points, improving load distribution efficiency while maintaining reliable retention.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If standard glazing panel systems are used, then basic weather protection is achieved, but air, water and sound infiltration control is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The locking engagement members incorporate resilient sealing elements that function as flexible barriers between panels. These resilient portions conform to the panel surfaces and create effective seals that control air, water, and sound infiltration while maintaining the overall weather protection of the glazing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking engagement members act as intermediary elements between adjacent panels, providing a controlled interface that manages infiltration. The resilient sealing portions of the members mediate the connection between panels, creating effective barriers against air, water, and sound while allowing for thermal expansion and contraction.
5Stability of the object's composition
If rigid panel connection systems are used, then structural stability is achieved, but accommodation of thermal expansion and contraction is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The locking engagement members utilize changes in the physical state and properties of resilient materials to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction. The resilient portions can deform elastically in response to temperature-induced dimensional changes in the panels, maintaining structural stability while adapting to thermal variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient sealing elements within the locking engagement members function as flexible components that can expand and contract with temperature changes. These flexible portions maintain continuous contact with panel surfaces throughout thermal cycles, ensuring structural stability while accommodating thermal expansion and contraction.
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 solution enables quicker, more economical assembly and installation of glazing panel units that withstand increased loads, reduce material costs, and effectively manage air, water, and sound infiltration while accommodating horizontal expansion and contraction.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient locking engagement members compress and deform to accommodate horizontal expansion and contraction of the glazing panel units due to ambient temperature changes
Implementation Method 2
interlocking first and second locking engagement members with sawtooth structures
Data Source
AI summary
Panel unit assemblies with first and second engagement members having panel-attachment members for retaining portions of the panels and pairs of opposed transparent or translucent panels with retaining portions attached to the panel-attachment members of the first and second engagement members to form adjacent interlocked panel units. The first engagement member has a first wall disposed between the first pair of panels and a male member projecting from the first wall with at least one catch rail and the second engagement member has a second wall disposed between the panels with a pair of sidewalls defining an interlock cavity for receiving the male member. The catch rail of the male member is disposed adjacent to an inner surface of the sidewalls to engage an interlock cavity sidewall inner surface and limit pivoting movement of the panels.