Reversible adjustable bracket assembly for glass panel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shower enclosure systems with sliding glass doors face issues such as obstructed entryways, maintenance challenges due to metal frames, and deflection of glass panels, especially when walls are out-of-square, limiting flexibility and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A reversible adjustable bracket assembly comprising a mounting bracket, bracket member, interior mounting bracket, and panel bracket, allowing for left-hand or right-hand installation and adjustment to accommodate uneven surfaces, with features like reversible design, adjustable screws, and friction pads for secure panel support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional sliding glass door system with metal frame and header is used, then the shower enclosure provides structural support and splash barrier function, but the entryway is obstructed and free access is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional header and metal frame structure from the shower enclosure system. Instead, glass panels are mounted directly to the wall using bracket assemblies, extracting the obstructive elements while maintaining the enclosure's structural integrity and splash barrier function.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket assembly serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the glass panel, accommodates out-of-square wall conditions through adjustment mechanisms, and eliminates the need for separate header and frame components, thereby simplifying the overall system while improving access.
2Ease of repair
If metal frame and glass-to-metal interfaces are used in the shower enclosure, then structural support is provided, but special cleaning and maintenance are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates metal frame components and glass-to-metal interfaces by mounting glass panels directly to the wall via bracket assemblies. This extraction removes the elements requiring special maintenance while preserving the structural support function.
3Ease of operation
If a support arm is used to stabilize the stationary glass panel, then the panel is supported, but free motion within the shower is restricted and head-height obstruction occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the support arm that extended into the shower space. Instead, the glass panel is stabilized through the wall-mounted bracket assembly, which provides support without projecting into the shower area, thereby eliminating head-height obstructions and restricting motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The support function is relocated from a horizontal support arm extending into the shower space to a vertical wall-mounted bracket assembly. This dimensional change moves the support structure to the wall plane, clearing the interior shower space while maintaining panel stability.
4Strength
If previous support arm systems are used, then glass panel support is provided, but an undesirable amount of deflection occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket assembly incorporates adjustment mechanisms that allow dynamic adaptation to wall irregularities and out-of-square conditions. This dynamic capability enables precise control over panel positioning and support, minimizing deflection while accommodating construction variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket assembly allows for parameter adjustments in position and orientation to compensate for wall irregularities. By changing the mounting parameters through adjustment mechanisms, the system achieves optimal panel support with minimal deflection despite variations in wall squareness.
5Adaptability or versatility
If walls are out-of-square with respect to the shower enclosure, then construction variations occur, but flexibility in glass panel installation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket assembly includes adjustment mechanisms that provide dynamic adaptability to out-of-square wall conditions. These mechanisms allow the installation configuration to be adjusted during mounting, enabling accommodation of construction variations without requiring perfectly square walls.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows parameter changes in the bracket positioning and orientation to compensate for wall squareness variations. By adjusting mounting parameters, the system adapts to out-of-square conditions while maintaining proper glass panel support and alignment.
Data Source
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AI summary
A reversible adjustable bracket assembly for supporting an edge of a panel relative to a surface is disclosed. The assembly includes a mounting bracket, a reversible bracket member, an interior mounting bracket, and a panel bracket. The mounting bracket is configured for mounting on the surface and includes at least two fastening screw receiving holes. The bracket member has an extension arm extending perpendicularly from an elongated, narrowed proximal end to a mounting arm at a distal end thereof. The mounting arm defines at least two fastening screw receiving holes on a first surface and an oppositely disposed second surface thereof such that the bracket member body is configured to be reversible for mounting to the mounting bracket in at least one of a left-hand and right-hand installation thereof. The interior mounting bracket is configured for mounting to an inner side of the mounting bracket body and the first surface or the oppositely disposed second surface of the mounting arm and defines at least two fastening screw holes and at least two adjustment screw holes therethrough. Fastening screws extend through each fastening screw hole and are received in a respective fastening screw hole. An adjustment screw is positioned in each adjustment screw hole and is threadably adjustable to contact the mounting bracket body and adjust the angular relationship between the bracket member and the mounting bracket. A panel bracket is configured to support the edge of the panel at a proximate end of the extension arm.