Laminated Glass Fastening with Conical Truncated Studs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional laminated safety glass fastening methods using cylindrical holes and metal studs often lead to breakage during assembly due to excessive tightening and compromise the glass's mechanical resistance and aesthetic appeal, as they require drilling through the glass and result in visible fasteners.

Innovation Solution

The use of conical or frustoconical-shaped plates or studs inserted into corresponding countersunk holes in one pane of the laminated glass, with a threaded hole for attachment to a support structure, allowing for secure fastening without compressing the glass and maintaining a smooth outer surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cylindrical through holes are drilled in the glass for fastening studs, then the glass can be securely fastened to support structures, but the glass is subject to breakage during assembly due to excessive tightening and compressive stress

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening securityVSAvoidglass resistance to stresses
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the geometric parameter of the fastening hole from cylindrical to conical shape. This parameter change allows the fastening stud to be inserted without excessive tightening force, eliminating compressive stress on the glass while maintaining secure fastening. The conical shape enables the stud to self-center and engage properly without requiring high insertion forces that would compromise glass strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The conical hole provides localized stress distribution at the interface between the stud and glass. The tapered geometry concentrates the engagement area at the base of the cone, allowing the glass to maintain its structural integrity in the surrounding areas while still achieving secure fastening at the localized engagement point.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If cylindrical through holes are drilled in the glass for fastening studs, then the glass can be fastened to support structures, but the fasteners are visible and compromise aesthetic appeal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening functionalityVSAvoidsurface smoothness and aesthetics
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The conical fastening stud is nested within the conical hole, with the stud being partially housed inside the glass pane. This nesting arrangement allows the fastening mechanism to be concealed within the glass thickness, presenting a smooth external surface that maintains aesthetic appeal while still providing secure fastening functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention moves the fastening mechanism from a protruding external feature to an internal feature housed within the glass thickness. By utilizing the third dimension (depth/thickness) of the glass pane, the conical stud can be embedded within the glass rather than protruding from the surface, thereby maintaining a clean aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Shape

If conical holes are formed in only one pane of the laminated glass, then the outer surface remains smooth and cleanable, but the fastening mechanism must be precisely positioned

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface smoothnessVSAvoidhole positioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The conical holes are formed in the glass panes during the manufacturing process before the final assembly of the laminated glass structure. This preliminary action allows for precise positioning and alignment of the conical holes with the corresponding fastening studs, ensuring accurate engagement while maintaining the smooth external surface of the glass.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2583822B1Laminated safety glass with fastening truncated-cone-shaped plates or studs housed inside the same laminated glass
Publication Date: 2016.09.21 VETRERIA F LLI PACI
  • EP2583822B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2583822B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention proposes a laminated safety glass, in particular for glass components for furniture or glass walls and parapets of buildings, that is made of two or more sheets or panes of glass or crystal and is of the type with little plates or studs for fastening the laminated glass to a respective support structure, wherein such plates or studs have a truncated cone shape and are partially housed within only one of the two or more sheets of glass or crystal the laminated glass is made of, and wherein the sole sheet or pane that houses such plates or studs exhibits corresponding conical holes for the housing of the conical plates or studs.