Outer Wedge Vertical Sliding for Panel Securing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing securing arrangements for glass panels in guardrails, particularly at high levels where only one side is accessible, face challenges in adjusting the verticality of the panel due to the inability to access the outer side without scaffolding, and proposed solutions like flexible strips are complex and costly.
Innovation Solution
The arrangement employs upper and lower outer wedges that slide vertically into tight positions, controlled by movable transmission members and a compression-based control device on the inner side, allowing independent or simultaneous tightening of the wedges without the need for external scaffolding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If opposing wedges are installed on both sides of the panel for securing, then the panel securing strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates when only one side is accessible
Solution Approach 1:
A transmission member acts as an intermediary mechanism that transfers the adjustment force from the accessible inner side to the outer wedge on the inaccessible outer side. The transmission member includes a lever arm that pivots about an axis, with a first end receiving force from a control device on the inner side and a second end applying force to the outer wedge, thereby enabling remote operation of the outer wedge without direct access.
2Ease of operation
If a flexible strip is used to pull the outer wedge from the inner side, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the proposed flexible strip mechanical system with a lever-based mechanical advantage system. Instead of using a flexible strip that would require high tensile strength materials and complex anchoring, the invention uses a rigid lever arm that pivots about an axis, utilizing rotational mechanics and force multiplication to achieve the same wedge actuation with simpler, more robust components.
3Force
If the outer wedge slides horizontally into position, then the tightening force is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of the outer wedge sliding horizontally into position (which would require complex lateral guidance and positioning mechanisms), the invention inverts the movement direction: the outer wedge slides vertically along the outer face of the panel. The lever arm applies vertical force to the wedge, utilizing the panel's vertical surface as a guide, thereby simplifying the movement mechanism while maintaining effective tightening force through the wedge's inclined 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
This solution enables secure and adjustable vertical positioning of glass panels from the inner side, ensuring stability and cost-effectiveness by using compression-resistant materials and a cam-based mechanism for balanced force application.
Implementation Method 1
all movable transmission members are biased in compression by at least one control device which is arranged on the inner side of the panel
Implementation Method 2
each outer wedge being mounted so as to slide vertically in the groove between a released position and a tight position
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an arrangement for securing a vertical panel (14) in a longitudinal groove (28), the panel (14) comprising an inner face (20) and an outer face (22), the securing being carried out by transverse clamping between transversely opposed wedges (36A, 36B; 38A, 38B), the arrangement comprising: an upper outer wedge (38A) and a lower outer wedge (38B) which are each positioned between an outer face (34) of the groove (28) and the outer vertical face (22) of the panel (14); at least two movable transmission members (62A, 62B) which are each capable of transmitting a sliding force to an associated outer wedge (38A, 38B), the force being applied from an inner side (24) of the panel (14); the arrangement is characterized in that the upper and lower outer wedges (38A, 38B) slide vertically upwards from the released position thereof to the clamped position thereof above the released position.