Single-Side Panel Wedge Clamping via Return Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for fixing a vertical panel in a rail groove require access to both sides, making it impossible to correctly screw the corner on the inaccessible side without using lifting means, resulting in ineffective fixing and adjustment of panel verticality.

Innovation Solution

The screw-nut assembly is positioned on the same side as the first corner, with a movable return member transmitting the translation force to the second corner through a cradle interposed between the panel and the groove, allowing for vertical translation and adjustment from a single side.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the screw-nut assembly is positioned on both sides of the panel (conventional method), then the fixing strength and verticality adjustment are improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because access to both sides is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing strengthVSAvoidaccessibility for adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A return member acts as an intermediary mechanical element that transmits the clamping force from the accessible side to the inaccessible corner. The return member converts the vertical movement of the screw-nut assembly on one side into corresponding movement of the corner on the opposite side, enabling indirect control of the inaccessible corner through a mechanical mediation system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The solution moves the screw-nut assembly from a two-sided configuration to a one-sided configuration by adding a spatial dimension through the return member. The return member extends the control mechanism across the panel thickness, allowing the operator to access and adjust both corners from a single side by projecting the adjustment mechanism through the third dimension

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If lifting equipment is used to access the inaccessible side, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility for adjustmentVSAvoidneed for additional equipment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The return member serves as a mechanical intermediary that eliminates the need for external lifting equipment by internally transmitting the adjustment force across the panel. This internal mediation system replaces the need for external scaffolding or lifting devices, simplifying the overall system while maintaining full adjustability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The corner bracket system is designed to be self-adjusting from a single side through the return member mechanism. The system serves itself by internally redistributing the adjustment force to the inaccessible corner without requiring external assistance or additional equipment, making the installation and adjustment process self-sufficient

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If only one corner is used for fixing (to allow single-side access), then the ease of operation is improved, but the fixing strength deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesingle-side accessVSAvoidfixing strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The return member acts as a force transmission intermediary that allows a single screw-nut assembly to effectively control both corners. By mechanically coupling the accessible corner to the inaccessible corner through the return member, the system achieves two-corner fixing strength while maintaining single-side operational access

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The screw-nut assembly positioned on one side acquires multi-functionality through the return member mechanism. It simultaneously performs the function of clamping the accessible corner directly and the inaccessible corner indirectly through force transmission, making a single adjustment mechanism universally effective for both corners

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 arrangement enables secure fixing and easy adjustment of the panel's verticality from a single side, eliminating the need for lifting means and maintaining the advantages of dual-corner fixing systems.

Implementation Method 1

at least one screw-nut assembly intended to produce a vertical translational force of the second corner in a clamping direction between the panel and the second face of the groove

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

the translational force being transmitted to the second corner by means of a movable return member which is interposed between a lower edge of the panel and the bottom of the groove

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force transmission: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

the second corner cooperating by vertical sliding with a second fixed ramp to adjust the verticality of the panel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3323958B1Arrangement for attaching a panel to a groove by two opposing wedges
Publication Date: 2019.09.11 SB INGENIERIE SAS
  • EP3323958B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3323958B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3323958B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The invention relates to an arrangement for fixing a vertical panel (14) in a longitudinal groove (20) by transverse clamping between two wedges (34A, 34B; 42A, 42B), and comprising: - a first wedge (34A, 34B) interposed between a vertical face (24) of the groove (20) and a first face (36) of the panel (14); - a second opposite wedge (42A, 42B) interposed between an opposite vertical face (26) of the groove (20) and an opposite face (44) of the panel (14); - a screw-nut assembly (50) intended to produce a vertical translational force on the second wedge (42A, 42B) in a clamping direction; characterized in that the screw-nut assembly (50) is arranged on the same side of the panel (14) as the first corner (34A, 34B), the translational force being transmitted to the second corner (42A, 42B) via a movable return member (66, 76).