Panel-Clamping Post With Wedge Lock for Safer Balcony Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing French balconies and sunshades face challenges in safe and easy installation due to the weight and cumbersome nature of panels, which can lead to potential accidents during securing, especially at heights, and require multiple steps and careful manipulation to avoid falling.
Innovation Solution
A post system with a base and flap design, featuring orthogonal faces and a wedge mechanism that locks the panel in place using linear compression seals and a snap-fitting wedge, allowing for rapid and secure clamping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If panels are secured directly to the wall using multiple steps with posts and clamping means, then the panel is securely fixed, but the installation process becomes complex and time-consuming with increased risk of accidents during manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the wall securing function and panel clamping function into a single integrated post structure. The post includes a base for wall attachment and a clamping arm that engages the panel, eliminating the need for separate securing and clamping operations. This merging reduces installation steps from multiple operations to a single integrated action, thereby reducing complexity and installation time while maintaining secure fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The post is segmented into functional components: a base portion for wall attachment and a clamping arm portion for panel securing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while being part of a unified structure. The modular design enables easier manufacturing and assembly, reducing overall installation complexity.
2Ease of operation
If panels are manipulated during multi-step securing process, then they can be positioned and secured, but the risk of panels falling and causing accidents increases due to weight and cumbersome nature
Solution Approach 1:
The post is pre-configured with the clamping arm positioned to engage the panel before the actual installation occurs. During installation, the panel is simply inserted into the pre-positioned clamping arm, which immediately provides support. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for complex multi-step manipulation and reduces the risk of the panel falling during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping arm is designed to provide immediate support and cushioning to the panel upon insertion. The spring-loaded or adjustable clamping mechanism ensures that the panel is gently held in place from the moment of insertion, preventing drops and reducing the risk of accidents during the installation process.
3Strength
If traditional posts with separate wall securing and clamping functions are used, then mechanical connection is achieved, but installation time and steps are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges wall securing and panel clamping functions into a single integrated post structure that performs both functions simultaneously. The base portion attaches to the wall while the clamping arm secures the panel in one continuous operation, eliminating the need for separate securing and clamping steps. This integration maintains strong mechanical connections while significantly reducing installation time and improving productivity.
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 safer, easier, and more efficient installation of panels by reducing the need for multiple steps and minimizing the risk of accidents, while providing durable and stable support.
Implementation Method 1
linear compression seals compressing a panel clamped between the base and the flap in the assembled state
Data Source
AI summary
A post for securing a panel (1) includes a base (5), having two faces (5a, 5b) which are substantially orthogonal with respect to each other. The base has one face (5a) which is parallel to the plane of the panel (1), having a linear compression seal (13) at its free end, and one face (5b) which is orthogonal to the plane of the panel (1). The base has a flap (7), articulated with respect to the base (5) at the free end of the face (5b) which is orthogonal to the plane of the panel (1), carrying a complementary linear compression seal (13) at its end opposite to the articulation (51, 71), and a wedge (9), having an insert (11), inserted at the level of the articulation (51, 71) between the base (5) and the flap (7) in the assembled state which, when inserted, locks articulation (51, 71) in a position clamping the panel (1).