Slab Fixing System with Pivoting Wedge Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing systems for slab-like elements in railings, balustrades, and parapets, such as glass slabs, are complex and time-consuming to install due to the need for precise adjustment of multiple oscillating plates, which complicates achieving the desired vertical inclination and stability.
Innovation Solution
A fixing system with a U-shaped base body and lateral support groups featuring pivoting sliders and wedges allows for simultaneous adjustment and clamping of slab-like elements, reducing the number of components to be adjusted and enabling quick vertical alignment and locking of the slabs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple oscillating plates are used to support and retain the glass slab, then the reliability and safety of the fixing system is improved, but the device complexity and installation time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing system divides the retention function into two distinct parts: lateral support elements (first and second) that provide continuous vertical retention, and intermediate oscillating plates (third and fourth) that provide periodic support. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliability with fewer components, as the lateral elements handle the primary retention load while the intermediate plates provide supplementary support.
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral support elements combine multiple functions into single components: they provide both vertical retention and lateral support simultaneously. The first lateral support element engages with the first lateral face of the glass slab while the second lateral support element engages with the second lateral face, merging support and retention functions that would otherwise require separate components.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple oscillating plates are clamped individually to adjust glass slab inclination, then the manufacturing precision of slab verticality is improved, but the loss of time during installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism merges the inclination control function into a single operation. By adjusting the position of the lateral support elements relative to each other, the system simultaneously controls the vertical inclination of the glass slab, eliminating the need for individual plate adjustments and significantly reducing installation time while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral support elements serve multiple functions: they provide vertical retention, lateral support, and inclination adjustment all through a single component design. The ability to position these elements at different heights allows them to control slab inclination while maintaining their primary support and retention functions.
3Reliability
If numerous oscillating plates are used to safely support glass slabs, then the reliability of the fixing system is improved, but the ease of operation during installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing system segments the support function into lateral elements that require no clamping adjustment and intermediate plates that provide stable periodic support. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex sequential clamping operations, as the lateral elements are positioned directly and the intermediate plates naturally support the slab without requiring precise individual adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate oscillating plates provide self-adjusting support through their oscillating mechanism. As the glass slab is installed, the plates naturally oscillate and settle into their support positions, providing automatic adjustment without requiring manual clamping intervention for each plate, thereby simplifying the installation operation.
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 installation by allowing for easy and rapid adjustment of slab inclination, reducing the complexity of clamping operations and maintaining reliability and safety, while minimizing the need for external access during installation and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a wedge-shaped component (245, 246) having two opposite inclined surfaces (247, 248) which are adapted to slide on the inclined surfaces (243, 244) of the slider (240)
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a system for fixing (1) slab-like elements (16), particularly for railings, balustrades and parapets, comprising: - at least one base body (10), configured to be placed and fixed on a generic installation surface, made in the form of a box-shaped profile with a substantially U-shaped cross-section, open at the upper part, defining a channel (14) within which the lower portion of at least one protection slab-like element (16) is inserted; - at least one lower support element (18) mounted on the lower internal surface of said channel (14); - at least one lateral support and retaining element (26) of said at least one slab-like element (16), mounted on a first internal lateral surface (22) of said channel (14), wherein said lateral support and retaining element (26) comprises a plate (27) pivoting around a fixed pin element(38) ; According to the invention, the fixing system (1) comprises a plurality of lateral support and retaining groups (24) of said at least one slab-like element (16), mounted on a second internal lateral surface (20) of said channel (14) which faces said first internal lateral surface (22), each of said lateral support and retaining groups (24) comprising: - a slider (240) pivoting around a fixed pin element (241), said slider (240) comprising a tab (242) protruding towards the inside of said channel (14), and a pair of inclined surfaces (243, 244) that are mutually opposite with respect to said protruding tab (242), - a pair of wedges (245, 246), positioned so as to be mutually opposite with respect to said tab (242), each of said wedges (245, 246) having its own inclined surface (247, 248) adapted to slide on a respective inclined surface (243, 244) of said pair of inclined surfaces (243, 244) of said slider (240), a first wedge (245) of said pair of wedges (245, 246) being clampable on said tab (242) along a first clamping direction, by means of at least a first clamping member (249), a second wedge (246) of said pair of wedges (245, 246) being clampable on said tab (242) along a second clamping direction, substantially opposite to said first clamping direction, by means of at least one second clamping member (250), the adjustment of the clamping of said at least one first clamping member (249) and of said at least one second clamping member (250) allowing to modify, in synergy with the oscillation of said at least one lateral support and retaining element (26), the inclination of said slab-like element (16) around a vertical plane to obtain the perpendicularity of said slab-like element (16).