Modular Frame Structure with Undercut Coupling for Moveable Glass Walls
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular frames for moveable glass walls face issues with vertical positioning errors during assembly, inconsistent pressure on panes leading to shearing stress, low mechanical resistance, and complex assembly processes, making them unsuitable for frequent disassembly and reassembly.
Innovation Solution
A modular frame structure with a base and cross member design featuring undercut coupling seats and gaskets to ensure precise alignment and secure pane positioning, along with a reinforcing bar for stiffness, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly while providing high mechanical resistance and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If snap-fitting window/door frames are used to form the sides of the frame, then the frame can be assembled with standard components, but the transverse pressure into the pane becomes inconsistent creating shearing stress gradients
Solution Approach 1:
A pressure distribution element (compressible seal) is introduced as an intermediary between the frame side and the pane. This mediator absorbs and distributes the clamping force uniformly across the pane surface, eliminating shearing stress gradients while maintaining the simplicity of snap-fitting assembly.
2Strength
If the thickness of the frame sides is increased to improve mechanical resistance, then the safety increases, but the aesthetic quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The frame side is designed as a composite structure combining a thin aesthetic outer profile with an internal reinforcing element (such as a stiffening rib or embedded reinforcement). This composite construction provides high mechanical resistance while maintaining a slim, aesthetically pleasing external appearance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the frame structure uses multiple snap-fitting window/door frames, then the assembly is modular and adaptable, but the assembly complexity increases making frequent disassembly impractical
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple snap-fitting frame sections are merged into a single integrated clamping mechanism that operates as one unified assembly unit. This reduces the number of individual assembly steps and simplifies the overall process, making frequent disassembly and reassembly practical while preserving modular adaptability.
4Manufacturing precision
If skilled manpower is employed to compensate for vertical positioning errors, then the manufacturing precision improves, but the productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanism incorporates adjustable parameters (such as telescopic sections or adjustable clamping positions) that allow the installer to compensate for vertical positioning errors through simple parameter adjustments rather than requiring skilled manual intervention. This maintains precision while enabling faster assembly by less skilled workers.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
In a modular frame structure (1) for a wall made of glass or other pane material, capable of providing uncommon particular safety and practical assembly, include: - a lower side or base (2) extending along a predefined first longitudinal extension (100), with a base pane seat (3) suitable to receive and lock an edge portion of a pane, - an upper side or cross member (4) extending along a predefined second longitudinal extension (100'), with a cross member seat (5) suitable to receive and lock an edge portion of a pane, - one or more posts (6), extending along a longitudinal axis (200), suitable to form at least one side of the frame (1), with at least one post pane seat (7) suitable to receive and lock a portion of a pane, - connecting means (8), suitable to guarantee a connection between said posts (6) and said lower (2) and upper (4) sides, in which: said posts (6) comprise a reinforcing bar (9) suitable to confer stiffness to said frame structure (1), said connecting means (8) comprise a first undercut coupling seat (27) obtained on said lower side (2), a second undercut coupling seat (28) obtained on said upper side (4), said first and second undercut coupling seats (27,28) extending, respectively, along said longitudinal extension (100, 100') of said lower (2) and upper (4) sides and, first and second coupling portions (29,30) of said post (6), said first coupling portion (29) being insertable in said first undercut coupling seat (27) in any point of said longitudinal extension (100), said second coupling portion (30) being insertable in said second undercut coupling seat (28) in any point of said longitudinal extension (100'), said first and second coupling portions (29,30) being selectively couplable between a release position, and an engaging position.