Snap-Fitted Glazing Bead With Elastic Locking Grooves
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for fixing profile bars to glass panes in glazing systems are time-consuming and laborious, particularly due to the need for precise alignment and machining of holes in the glass pane, which slows down manufacturing and installation processes.
Innovation Solution
The profile bar is attached to the glass pane using a design with elongated slots and elastic locking members that press the glass pane against the profile bar, eliminating the need for screws and allowing for faster installation and secure fixing, with the machining of locking shapes enabling alignment without stopping the glass pane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If profile bars are fixed to glass panes using traditional methods (screws, compression, glue), then the fixing is secure, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The profile bar incorporates an elastic element that can dynamically deform during installation to allow the glass pane to be inserted, then returns to its original shape to lock the glass pane securely in place. This dynamic behavior enables both easy installation and secure fixing without requiring multiple fastening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage and lock the glass pane in place once inserted into the profile bar. The elastic element self-activates through the insertion motion itself, eliminating the need for separate screwing or clamping operations and significantly reducing installation time while maintaining secure fixing.
2Reliability
If holes are machined in glass panes for screw fixation, then the profile bar can be securely attached, but the manufacturing process must stop and align with precision in two perpendicular directions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the need for hole machining and screw fixation from the attachment process. Instead of creating holes in the glass pane, the profile bar uses an elastic locking mechanism that engages with the glass pane edge directly, eliminating the time-consuming hole machining and precision alignment steps while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical screw-fixation system is replaced with an elastic deformation-based locking mechanism. The elastic element uses its inherent elasticity to create a secure mechanical interlock with the glass pane edge, substituting the complex hole-machining-and-screwing process with a simple insertion motion that triggers automatic locking.
3Ease of operation
If the profile bar uses compression fixing with slots, then the glass pane can be held in place, but additional fixing members like screws are still required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the compression holding function and the locking function into a single integrated elastic mechanism. The elastic element simultaneously provides the compression force to hold the glass pane and the locking action to prevent removal, eliminating the need for separate fixing members and simplifying the overall fixing mechanism.
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
This solution significantly speeds up the processing of glass panes by allowing for easy and secure attachment of the profile bar, reducing the force required for installation and detachment, and facilitating the integration with other glass processing methods.
Implementation Method 1
The profile bar comprises an elastic locking member which is a protrusion and is placed in a shape in the glass pane
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A panel structure for a glazing system, comprising a panel and a profile bar to be locked to the panel. The panel (22) is made of glass material, comprising a first and a second side surface (22a, 22b) which are parallel, and an end surface (22c) which is placed between said side surfaces and to which said side surfaces are limited; and the panel (22) further comprises one or more elongated grooves (25) provided in the first side surface (22a) and being substantially parallel with said end surface. The profile bar (20) has a profile form extending away in the longitudinal direction of the profile bar, comprising a slot (21) with a long opening (18) for the installation of the panel, and a side wall (21 b) which limits said slot and is placed on the first side surface (22a) of the panel placed in the slot. The profile bar (20) further comprises at least one locking formed part (23, 24) provided in said side wall and placed in said groove (25).