Reversible Glass Panel Bracket Assembly for Out-of-Square Walls
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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 adjustability and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A reversible adjustable bracket assembly that supports a glass panel's edge, featuring 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 modular design and easy assembly for various configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a support arm is used to stabilize the glass panel, then stability is improved, but it creates an obstruction at or below head-height that restricts free motion within the shower or bath
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket assembly transitions the support structure from a horizontal arm extending into the shower space to a vertical mounting configuration attached to the wall above the glass panel. This dimensional change relocates the support function to a different spatial plane, eliminating head-height obstructions while maintaining stabilization through the vertical bracket structure and adjustment mechanisms
2Ease of manufacture
If a fixed bracket configuration is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but it cannot accommodate out-of-square wall configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket assembly incorporates adjustable components including modification slots, elongated mounting holes, and repositionable fasteners that enable dynamic reconfiguration of the bracket geometry. These features allow installers to adjust the bracket angle and position to compensate for out-of-square wall conditions while maintaining a relatively simple manufactured form
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates variable geometric parameters through adjustment mechanisms such as rotatable elements, adjustable fastening positions, and flexible mounting configurations. These parameter changes enable the same bracket design to adapt to different wall squareness conditions without requiring custom manufacturing for each scenario
3Strength
If a metal frame and header are used, then structural support is provided, but it requires special cleaning and maintenance and detracts from a clean appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The design extracts and eliminates the metal frame and header components from the traditional shower enclosure system. The glass panel is directly supported by wall-mounted bracket assemblies, removing the intermediate metal framing structure that requires cleaning and maintenance, while maintaining structural support through the bracket-glass connection system
4Reliability
If a traditional header is used, then the shower door can be hung and guided, but it always blocks the entrance and restricts free access to the bathing area
Solution Approach 1:
The support function previously provided by the horizontal header is relocated to vertical wall-mounted bracket assemblies positioned above the glass panel. This dimensional relocation eliminates the need for a protruding header structure, opening up the entrance area while maintaining shower door support through the vertical bracket configuration
Data Source
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.