Railing Panel Retention System with Pivot Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for adjusting the vertical inclination of all-glass railing panels are complex, requiring numerous components and resulting in bulky designs, high manufacturing costs, and increased assembly effort, while also compromising structural integrity and allowing limited adjustability and reusability.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring a panel holder with a rotary pole that allows the railing plate to pivot for vertical alignment, using a holding profile that can be embedded into the structure and clamping parts for adjustment, eliminating the need for additional components and material modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex mounting profiles with multiple components are used to adjust vertical inclination, then adjustment capability is improved, but device complexity and visual bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pivot function and clamping function into a single integrated mounting profile. The T-shaped cross-section profile inherently provides the pivot edge on its vertical wall while incorporating clamping surfaces, eliminating the need for separate pivot mechanisms and clamping devices. This merging reduces component count while maintaining full adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting profile is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, enables vertical inclination adjustment through pivoting, and secures the railing panel through clamping. The single profile component serves as both the mounting structure and the adjustment mechanism, reducing overall system complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple adjusting screws and positioning elements are provided, then vertical inclination adjustment precision is improved, but ease of manufacture and assembly deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from a static fixed-position profile to a dynamic system where the railing panel can pivot along the vertical wall of the T-shaped profile. This dynamic pivoting capability allows continuous adjustment of vertical inclination without requiring multiple discrete positioning holes or screws, simplifying both manufacturing and assembly while maintaining adjustment precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If drilling holes and providing threads in mounting profiles for adjustment mechanisms, then adjustability is improved, but structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The T-shaped cross-section profile is pre-formed during extrusion with the pivot edge and clamping surfaces already in place. This preliminary formation of the adjustment geometry eliminates the need for subsequent drilling or threading operations that would compromise the structural integrity of the profile. The adjustment capability is built into the profile design itself rather than added through post-processing.
4Reliability
If access to the free side of the panel holder is blocked by the inserted railing panel, then fall protection functionality is improved, but ease of operation for adjustment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring access to the free side (outside) of the railing panel for adjustment, the patent inverts the approach by enabling adjustment from the blocked side (inside). The pivot mechanism allows the panel to be tilted and adjusted from within the mounting profile structure, making the adjustment operation accessible even when the free side is blocked by the panel itself or guardrail requirements.
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 system simplifies assembly, maintains structural integrity, allows easy and reversible adjustment of railing panels, and enables non-destructive component replacement and reuse, meeting high visual standards without the need for additional profiles or visually disturbing actuators.
Implementation Method 1
a pivot point (P) is provided within the panel receptacle and on the side of a flat side of the railing panel, about which the railing panel can be pivoted for the purpose of its vertical alignment
Implementation Method 2
with which the railing panel can be firmly clamped
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(c)
Figure 2a~4b
Figure 5
AI summary
In a system for mounting railing panels (2) on a structural element with a retaining profile (1) that forms a panel receptacle, from which a railing panel can be received and within which it can be firmly clamped, a raised pivot point (P) is provided for adjusting the vertical inclination of the railing panel. This pivot point projects laterally into the panel receptacle, so that the flat side of the railing panel facing the pivot point after the railing panel is inserted into the panel receptacle comes into direct or indirect contact with the pivot point. The vertical inclination of the railing panel can be easily adjusted by inserting and/or driving in clamping elements (8'') on the side of the railing panel opposite the pivot point.