U-Channel Parapet Fixing with Oscillating Disks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for fixing slab-like elements in railings, balustrades, and parapets require complex adjustments and external scaffolding, compromising aesthetics and increasing costs, while also hindering rainwater runoff.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring oscillating disks and tilting plates within a U-shaped channel allows for the adjustment and inclination of slab-like elements without external scaffolding, using a screw-nut coupling and tilting plate mechanism, enabling easy alignment and inclination of protection slabs while facilitating rainwater discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If adjustment and setting means are provided on the surface of the channel facing towards the building facade, then the position and inclination of the protection slab can be adjusted, but the aesthetics of the parapet is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is extracted from the visible facade side and relocated to the rear side of the parapet structure. The channel is repositioned so that adjustment means are accessible from the rear, separating the functional adjustment area from the aesthetic facade area, thus resolving the conflict between operability and appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces covering plates that act as intermediaries to conceal the adjustment means on the facade side while allowing adjustment operations to be performed from the rear. These plates seal the adjustment openings on the facade while providing access points on the rear side, mediating between the need for adjustment and the requirement for aesthetic appearance.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex adjustment mechanisms are provided on both sides of the parapet, then the protection slab can be properly positioned and inclined, but the mounting costs increase due to the need for external scaffolding
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment functionality is extracted from the facade side and consolidated on the rear side of the parapet. This eliminates the need for complex dual-sided adjustment mechanisms and external scaffolding, reducing manufacturing complexity and mounting costs while preserving positioning and inclination accuracy through the repositioned channel and adjustment means.
3Reliability
If the parapet structure is designed to support slab-like elements, then protection and safety are provided, but rainwater runoff is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The parapet structure is segmented into functional zones: the base body and channel provide structural support and protection functionality, while separate drainage features (such as inclined surfaces and drainage openings) are integrated to handle rainwater runoff. This segmentation allows the protection function and drainage function to coexist without interfering with each other.
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 simplifies the adjustment and installation of slab-like elements, reduces mounting costs by eliminating the need for external scaffolds, and enhances rainwater runoff, maintaining aesthetic integrity by hiding adjustment components.
Implementation Method 1
using a screw-nut coupling and tilting plate mechanism
Implementation Method 2
A system featuring oscillating disks and tilting plates within a U-shaped channel allows for the adjustment and inclination of slab-like elements
Data Source
AI summary
The invention describes a system for fixing slab-like elements (16) for parapets comprising: a plurality of base bodies (10) configured to be supported and fixed on a generic surface for the installation of the system, wherein each base body is made in the form of a box-shaped profile having a substantially U-shaped section, open at the upper part and provided - at the lower part - with one or more fixing means (12) on such a surface, and wherein inside the box-shaped section at least one channel (14) is defined in which the lower portion of at least one protection slab-shaped element is inserted; at least one lower support element (18) mounted on the internal lower surface of the channel; a plurality of first lateral support and constraint elements (24) of the protection slab-shaped element, mounted on a first internal lateral surface (20) of the channel; at least one second lateral support and constraint element (26) of the protection slab-shaped element, mounted on a second internal lateral surface (22) of the channel that faces the first internal lateral surface. At least one part of the first lateral support and constraint elements consists of an oscillating disk (28) with respect to a pin (30) operatively coupled with the first internal lateral surface, whereas the second lateral support and constraint element consists of a tilting plate about a fixed pin (38). The oscillation of the disks and of the tilting plate allows a corresponding oscillation of the protection slab-shaped element about a vertical plane to obtain the flushing of the protection slab-shaped element.