Parapet Upright Height Adjustment via Sleeve Base Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing parapet systems are limited by the need for specific upright cross-sections, high investment in die-casting processes, and inefficient anchoring systems that restrict adaptability and ease of installation, making them costly and difficult to integrate with architectural designs.

Innovation Solution

A parapet system with adjustable uprights supported by feet featuring a sleeve and base portion that allows for longitudinal adjustment, using screws to secure the uprights at varying heights, enabling flexible installation and production from standard extruded components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If die-casting process is used to produce the support, then the support can be manufactured with complex geometry, but the production cost and investment requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport manufacturingVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive die-casting with cheaper extrusion and machining processes. The support is manufactured using standard extruded profiles that are then machined to final dimensions, eliminating the need for expensive dies and tooling while reducing production costs and investment requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the manufacturing parameters from die-casting to extrusion and machining. This allows the use of standard extruded aluminum profiles with consistent cross-sections that can be easily machined, rather than requiring complex die-casting processes for each unique support geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If uprights with specific cross-sections are required, then the connection with the support can be secure, but the adaptability to different architectural designs is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidarchitectural integration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal support system that can accommodate various upright cross-sections. The support is designed with a standardized interface that can securely connect different types of uprights (square, rectangular, circular, or other profiles) through machining operations, allowing the same support to serve multiple architectural designs and upright types.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent separates the connection function into two independent components: the standardized support with its machined interface and the various upright profiles. This segmentation allows the support to remain unchanged while accommodating different upright types, enhancing versatility without compromising connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Shape

If the parapet system requires custom-cut bars with specific ribs, then the aesthetic results can be optimized, but the installation complexity and equipment requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidinstallation equipment
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs all necessary cutting, shaping, and rib formation operations during the extrusion and machining processes at the factory. The uprights are pre-formed with their final geometry, ribs, and connection features before shipment, eliminating the need for on-site cutting equipment and complex installation procedures while maintaining aesthetic quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The extrusion and machining processes inherently create the required ribs and geometric features as part of the standard manufacturing process. The uprights are self-sufficient with all necessary connection features and aesthetic elements already integrated, requiring no additional on-site fabrication or specialized installation equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of manufacture

If the upright height is fixed, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the adaptability to different installation heights is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction processVSAvoidheight adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces adjustability into the upright-s support connection through machined interfaces that allow vertical positioning. The support includes threaded holes or slots that enable the upright to be secured at multiple height positions, transforming the system from fixed to adjustable while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standard machining operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2252748B1parapet
Publication Date: 2011.06.22 ERRETI SRL
  • EP2252748B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2252748B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6

AI summary

Parapet (1), wherein a frame (10) presents at least one bearing foot (20) so that it can be connected to a floor surface (P); the frame (10) comprising an upright (30) for each foot (20) and each upright (30) presenting a substantially prismatic base portion (32); each foot (20) presenting a support device (40) suitable rigidly to carry each respective upright (30) at a distance adjustable at will from the surface (P); said support device (40) comprising, for each foot (20), a sleeve (42) provided with a base (44) shaped in such a way as longitudinally to couple with the base portion (32) of the upright (30), in order to position the base portion (32) at a distance definable at will from the floor surface (P).