Panel Support Mechanism for Vertical Alignment Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing panel support methods for glass balustrades face challenges such as difficulty in moving or replacing panels due to setting resin, and require precise alignment of channel sections to maintain vertical orientation, which is hard to achieve on uneven surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A panel support and adjustment mechanism that uses threaded clamping extrusions or expanding wedges to securely hold glass panels in a channel section, allowing for adjustable vertical alignment and easy removal or replacement, accommodating panels of varying thicknesses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If casting with setting resin is used to retain glass panels in channel sections, then the panels are securely fixed, but it becomes difficult to move or replace the glass and requires additional support during setting time
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into separate modular components: removable support blocks and independent clamping elements. This segmentation allows the panel to be securely supported during installation while enabling easy removal and replacement later, as each component can be independently manipulated without affecting the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static resin-based fixation to a dynamic mechanical support system using adjustable support blocks and removable clamps. This allows the support mechanism to be actively adjusted during installation and easily deactivated for panel replacement, providing both secure fixation and operational flexibility.
2Manufacturing precision
If channel sections are bolted to supporting structures with absolute alignment accuracy, then the glass balustrade achieves substantial vertical alignment, but very small angular errors result in large displacements at the top of the balustrade
Solution Approach 1:
Adjustable support blocks with varying heights and inclined clamping elements are introduced to dynamically compensate for alignment errors in the channel section. These components can be adjusted to accommodate small angular deviations, preventing error amplification and maintaining panel verticality without requiring perfect channel section alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The support block height and clamping angle are made variable parameters that can be adjusted to compensate for misalignment. By changing these parameters, the system can adapt to different channel section orientations and maintain proper panel alignment, reducing the stringency of alignment requirements.
3Strength
If traditional support methods are used, then panels are securely held, but panels of different thicknesses cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The support blocks and clamping elements are designed with variable local properties - different block heights, adjustable thicknesses, and modifiable clamping forces - to accommodate panels of varying thicknesses. Each local component can be customized to match the specific panel requirements while maintaining secure holding.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system is designed as a universal mechanism that can handle multiple panel thicknesses through adjustable components. The same basic support block and clamp assembly can be configured for different panel types, eliminating the need for multiple specialized fixtures and providing versatility across various panel specifications.
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanism for the adjustment of the vertical alignment of a panel member contained within an elongated channel section comprising; one or more means of clamping the panel member with an adjustable force; and one or more support means for supporting the panel member within the channel section; wherein the one or more means of clamping the panel member is arranged to adjustably tilt and secure the panel member so as to be maintained substantially vertically aligned even when the elongated channel section is secured to a surface which is not substantially horizontal.