Panel Support Wedge Clamping Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing panel supports for glass walls and partitions are cumbersome and impractical during installation, adjustment, and clamping, lacking ease of use and stability.
Innovation Solution
A panel support system featuring a supporting base with a housing seat and a tilt and clamping device comprising a concave cradle, wedge-shaped elements, and adjustment screws, allowing for easy installation, tilt adjustment, and secure clamping of glass panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional panel support with adjustable tilt device is used, then the panel can be securely clamped and tilted, but the installation and adjustment process becomes cumbersome and impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is divided into distinct functional segments: a base unit with pre-integrated clamping mechanism, and separate panel components. The clamping device itself is segmented into a cradle portion and a base portion that can be independently positioned and secured, allowing for simplified installation while maintaining secure clamping through modular assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping mechanism is pre-configured and pre-assembled on the base unit before installation. The undercut portions are pre-formed on the base, and the clamping elements are pre-positioned, eliminating the need for complex on-site adjustments and reducing installation complexity while ensuring reliable clamping from the start
2Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable tilt mechanism is incorporated into the panel support, then the panel tilt can be modified, but the device complexity increases making it awkward to use
Solution Approach 1:
The support device incorporates dynamic elements that allow the cradle to pivot and adjust to different panel tilt angles. The wedge-shaped elements and undercut portions enable the cradle to dynamically reposition itself along the base, providing tilt adjustment capability through simple geometric relationships rather than complex mechanical linkages
Solution Approach 2:
The tilt adjustment is achieved by changing the positional parameter of the cradle relative to the base. By moving the cradle to different positions along the undercut portions and adjusting the wedge element insertion depth, the panel tilt angle is varied without requiring complex mechanisms - simply changing the geometric configuration of existing components
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 straightforward installation, precise tilt adjustment, and stable clamping of glass panels, enhancing user experience and structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a wedge shaped element sliding on the outside of the respective side surface for containment of the cradle
Implementation Method 2
an adjustment screw, arranged in contact through a hole, counter-threaded to the screw, obtained through said wedge shaped element
Implementation Method 3
an intermediate clamping element adapted to be arranged between said opposite second face of the wedge shaped element and the undercut portion provided on a respective side of said housing seat
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
Panel (13) support (10), comprising - a supporting base (11) defining a housing seat (12) for the edge area (13A) of the panel (13), said seat having a bottom (12A), two opposite sides (12B) that extend from said bottom and an opening (14) for inserting the panel into the seat (12), provided at the ends of said sides (12B), at least one of said sides comprising, with respect to its end, a respective undercut portion (15), - at least one device (16) for adjusting the tilt and for clamping the panel to said supporting base (11), interposed between the panel (13) and said supporting base (11), comprising a concave cradle (17) for housing the end (13A) of the edge of the panel, said cradle having an underside (18) and two opposite lateral containment sides (19) of said end of the edge of the panel (13A), there being associated with at least one said containment side (19) at least one respective assembly (20) for adjusting the tilt and lateral clamping of the panel, wherein said assembly (20) for adjusting the tilt and lateral clamping of the panel comprises - a wedge shaped element (21) sliding on the outside of the respective side surface for containment of the cradle according to a direction from the bottom (12A) of said seat (12) toward its opening (14) and vice versa, said wedge shaped element (21) having a first face (19A) that abuts on the outside of the respective side surface (19) of the cradle (17) and an opposite second face (19B), tilted with respect to the direction of movement of the wedge shaped element, - at least one intermediate clamping element (26) adapted to be arranged between said opposite second face (19B) of the wedge shaped element (21) and said undercut portion (15) provided on a respective side of said housing seat, - an adjustment screw (27), arranged in an engaged way through a hole (28), counter-threaded to the screw, obtained through said wedge shaped element (21), said screw having an end (27A) adapted to bottom out against a portion (29) of said cradle (17) and an opposite end provided with a control head for a tool, so that a turn of said screw (27) in a first direction causes said wedge shaped element (21) to move toward said opening (14) of the housing seat (12) of the panel, thrusting said intermediate clamping element (26) against the respective undercut portion (15) of a respective side of said seat, while a turn in the opposite direction causes said wedge shaped element (21) to move in the opposite direction toward the bottom (12A) of the seat.