Compact Gib and Wedge Locking Mechanism for Large Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for regulating and locking large, aesthetically continuous plates are bulky and invasive, compromising their versatility and ability to maintain precise positioning over time, especially as plate dimensions increase.
Innovation Solution
A compact plate regulation and locking device utilizing gibs and wedge elements with adjustable positioning means, allowing for precise positioning and locking of plates of varying sizes and shapes, with a system of gibs and wedge elements that interact to apply forces for secure locking and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the dimensions of plates are increased to achieve aesthetic continuity, then the aesthetic continuity is improved, but the difficulty of positioning and maintaining predefined position increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple independent supports, each equipped with its own regulation and locking device. This segmentation allows each support to independently handle the positioning and locking of large plates, distributing the mechanical load and improving overall positioning stability without compromising the aesthetic continuity of the extended plate surfaces.
2Reliability
If the dimensions of locking and regulation devices are increased to handle larger plates, then the positioning capability is improved, but the aesthetic continuity is compromised due to increased device visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The regulation and locking devices are extracted as separate, modular components that can be independently designed and positioned. This allows the devices to be miniaturized and optimized for functionality while being discreetly integrated into the support structure, maintaining aesthetic continuity by minimizing their visual impact on the overall design.
Solution Approach 2:
The regulation device utilizes vertical adjustment of the gib within the support structure to achieve positioning control. By moving the adjustment mechanism from a horizontal plane to a vertical dimension, the device achieves effective positioning capability for large plates while maintaining a compact footprint that does not compromise aesthetic continuity.
3Shape
If the dimensions of regulation and locking devices are reduced to maintain aesthetic continuity, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the versatility and ability to regulate large plates is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The regulation and locking device is designed as a universal system capable of accommodating plates of various sizes and materials. The gib can be adjusted to different positions within the support, and the wedge element can engage with different plate thicknesses, providing versatile regulation capability while maintaining a compact, aesthetically pleasing form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through the gib and wedge element mechanism. The gib can be freely positioned during installation to accommodate different plate sizes and angles, then locked into place using the wedge element. This dynamic adaptability allows a single compact device design to handle various plate dimensions while maintaining aesthetic continuity.
4Shape
If miniaturization of devices is implemented to maintain aesthetic continuity, then the visual impact is reduced, but the ability to firmly lock large plates over time is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge element is designed with a curved or inclined surface that engages with the gib. This curved geometry provides mechanical advantage, allowing a small compact device to generate sufficient locking force to firmly secure large plates. The wedge shape converts small adjustment movements into large locking forces, ensuring long-term locking stability while maintaining a miniaturized device form.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes friction as a key parameter for locking stability. The gib and wedge element are designed to create sufficient frictional force to maintain the locked position of large plates over time. By optimizing the contact surfaces and materials to maximize friction, the compact device achieves reliable long-term locking without requiring increased dimensions.
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
Enables the secure, adjustable, and versatile locking of large plates while maintaining a compact design, allowing for easy adaptation to different plate sizes and shapes, ensuring precise positioning and long-term stability without compromising aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
gibs (10) and wedge elements (51) which are adjustable on the gibs (10) by means of command means (60), said gibs (10) and wedge elements (51) being suitable for interacting to apply forces
Implementation Method 2
said gibs (10) and wedge elements (51) being suitable for interacting to apply forces
Data Source
AI summary
A regulation and/or locking device (1) of a plate (100), suitable for cooperating with one of its sides (101, 102) so as to lock it in a predefined position. The device (1) comprises two gibs (10) facing one another, where each gib (10) has a support surface (11), positioned towards the outside and suitable for resting on the respective face (101, 102) of the plate or on a fixed element, and positioning surfaces (12), inclined with respect to the support surfaces (11). The device also comprises positioning means (50) interacting with the positioning surfaces (12) in such a way as to move the position of the gibs (10) locking the plate (100) and control means (60) manoeuvrable to activate the positioning means (50).