Panel Fixing Device With Wedge Cradle For Angular Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for vertically securing and angularly adjusting glass panels in U-shaped support rails are complex and require specific structures, making precise and speedy clamping operations difficult.
Innovation Solution
The fixing device employs a cradle with first and second positioning wedges and adjustment screws, allowing for bilateral clamping and angular adjustment, with the cradle's rocking movement limited by the wedges engaging the groove's lateral surfaces and stops preventing upward movement during screw tightening, enabling precise and rapid panel alignment and fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional screw adjustment and clamping systems are used with shims in the form of a wedge or a cam, then verticality adjustment and clamping of the panel can be performed, but the operations remain complicated and require sections having specific structures
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device is divided into distinct functional modules: a cradle module that supports the panel bottom, and separate positioning wedge modules (first and second wedges) that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently without requiring complex integrated structures, simplifying both the device and the adjustment operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cradle is pre-positioned at the bottom of the groove to receive the panel before adjustment operations begin. The first positioning wedges are preliminarily placed to engage with the cradle, establishing a stable base structure that guides subsequent adjustment and clamping operations, reducing the complexity of the overall process.
2Measurement precision
If angular adjustment is performed with traditional systems, then verticality can be adjusted, but the clamping operation becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning wedges are designed to be dynamically adjustable during the clamping process. The second positioning wedge can move along the ramp as the clamping force is applied, allowing the system to adapt to slight variations in panel positioning while maintaining precise angular adjustment. This dynamic adjustment mechanism enables both precision and speed without requiring multiple adjustment steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment and clamping functions are merged into a single integrated operation. As the second positioning wedge moves along the ramp during clamping, it simultaneously performs both the clamping action and the angular adjustment, eliminating the need for separate adjustment and clamping steps and thereby increasing productivity while maintaining precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a cradle is allowed to rock freely during angular adjustment, then adjustment flexibility is improved, but the stability and precision of panel positioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rocking amplitude of the cradle is controlled by changing the geometric parameters of the positioning wedges and their engagement points. The first positioning wedge is designed with specific dimensions and engagement surfaces that limit the cradle's rocking motion to a controlled range, providing sufficient adjustment flexibility while ensuring the panel achieves precise final positioning within acceptable tolerances.
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 allows for precise, rapid, and efficient angular adjustment and clamping of panels, ensuring secure vertical positioning with minimal rocking amplitude, suitable for various panel lengths and facilitating easy assembly and disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
two adjustment screws (26, 27) allowing for bilateral clamping
Implementation Method 2
wedging means comprising a cradle (20) straddling the bottom edge (21) of the panel (11) to snugly follow the conjugate shape of the bottom of the groove (14)
Implementation Method 3
said device comprising wedging means collaborating with two adjustment screws (26, 27) to perform vertical securing of the panel (11) in the groove (14) of the support rail (12)
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device of a panel in a support rail, which includes a section having a U-shaped groove equipped with a rounded bottom and with two divergent ramps arranged at the apex of the two opposite wings of the section. The device enables the panel to be secured and adjusted vertically by means of a cradle straddling the bottom edge of the panel. The cradle is configured to snugly follow the conjugate shape of the bottom of the groove allowing a rocking movement of small amplitude when angular adjustment is performed. At least one wedging module comprising two adjustment screws collaborating with a first positioning wedge able to slide on the cradle and a second positioning wedge able to move along the corresponding ramp for bilateral clamping of the panel after said adjustment, are arranged on each side of the panel.