Interlocking Glazing Panel System with Resilient Seams
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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 changes and curved structures.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of interlocking first and second locking engagement members with sawtooth structures and resilient elements that armor or clad the seam flanges, allowing for easier assembly and installation of modular upstanding seam flange glazing panels into pre-assembled units that can withstand increased loads and accommodate expansion, while reducing panel thickness and material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional modular glazing panels with unitary upstanding seam flanges are used, then the panels provide good structural strength and light transmission, but the assembly and installation process becomes complex and time-consuming requiring substantial skill
Solution Approach 1:
The seam flange is divided into two separate components: an upstanding flange portion and a locking engagement member portion. This segmentation allows the locking engagement member to be designed specifically for easy interconnection while the upstanding flange maintains structural integrity and light transmission properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking engagement member acts as an intermediary component that facilitates the connection between adjacent panels. It provides a standardized interface with interlocking features (such as tabs and slots) that simplify assembly and installation while maintaining the structural strength of the overall panel system.
2Reliability
If traditional assembly methods with multiple retaining clips and battens are used, then the panels can be secured to supporting members, but the process requires substantial skill and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The locking engagement member combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural connection between panels, secures panels to supporting members through retaining clips, and enables quick interconnection through standardized interlocking features. This merging eliminates the need for separate battens and multiple retaining clips, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking engagement member is pre-formed as an integrated component during panel manufacturing. The interlocking features and connection points are prepared in advance, allowing for rapid on-site assembly without requiring complex field fabrication or adjustment, thus reducing both skill requirements and installation time.
3Reliability
If traditional panel connection systems are used, then panels can be attached to supporting members, but the system is inefficient in material usage and load distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The locking engagement member concentrates structural reinforcement exactly where needed—at the connection points between panels and at attachment locations for retaining clips. This localized strengthening allows the use of thinner, lighter panel materials in non-critical areas, improving material usage efficiency while maintaining reliable load distribution through the optimized connection geometry.
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, less skill-intensive assembly and installation of glazing panel units that are stronger, more efficient in material use, and better suited for varied structural configurations, with enhanced moisture management and energy conservation characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient element positioned to sealingly engage the guide member of the first locking engagement member when the locking engagement members are interlocked in the interlocked position. The resilient element accommodates lateral movement between the locking engagement members.
Implementation Method 2
The first locking engagement member includes a guide member and a sawtooth structure. The second locking engagement member includes a walled cavity and a sawtooth structure. The sawtooth structures engage to interlock the members.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
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.