Snap-in Glazing Retainer for Impact Rated Doors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional glazing retainers for multi-panel sectional doors are inadequate in securing impact-rated glazing panels during high-wind events, requiring numerous fasteners that complicate assembly, increase installation time, and detract from the aesthetic appearance while failing to meet impact rating criteria.
Innovation Solution
The use of snap-in glazing retainers with a minimal number of fasteners or no fasteners at all, featuring a retainer member with legs that securely engage with the frame channels and an adhesive seal to maintain the glazing panels in place, utilizing aluminum extrusions for the frame and retainer members to absorb impact energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional glazing retainers are used to secure impact-rated glazing panels, then the glazing panels can be retained in place, but a large quantity of fasteners is required which increases assembly time and installation time
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer member is divided into multiple legs (first leg, second leg, third leg, fourth leg) that can be independently inserted into separate channels of the frame. This segmentation allows each leg to independently secure the glazing panel, distributing the retention function across multiple simple components rather than requiring numerous fasteners, thereby reducing assembly time while maintaining reliable glazing panel retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer member acts as an intermediary component between the glazing panel and the frame channels. Instead of directly fastening the glazing panel to the frame with multiple fasteners, the retainer member with its multiple legs serves as a mediator that secures the glazing panel by engaging with the frame channels, simplifying the assembly process while ensuring reliable retention.
2Reliability
If conventional glazing retainers with multiple fasteners are used, then the glazing panels can be securely attached, but the aesthetic appearance of the door is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The visible fasteners are extracted from the final assembly. The retainer member with its multiple legs is inserted into the frame channels from the interior side, allowing the glazing panel to be securely attached without any fasteners being visible from the exterior. This extraction of fasteners from the visible surface maintains the clean aesthetic appearance of full-view doors while ensuring reliable glazing panel attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of attaching the glazing panel to the frame from the exterior with visible fasteners, the retainer member is inserted into the frame channels from the interior side. This inverted approach allows the securing mechanism to be hidden from view while maintaining secure attachment, thus preserving the aesthetic appearance.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional glazing retainers are used, then assembly can be performed, but the process is complex requiring numerous fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fastening functions are merged into a single retainer member component. Instead of using multiple separate fasteners to attach the glazing panel to the frame, all the securing functions are integrated into one retainer member with multiple legs that engages with the frame channels, significantly reducing the number of parts and simplifying the assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it secures the glazing panel to the frame, provides structural support, and engages with multiple channels through its legs. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate fasteners and support elements, reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of manufacture.
Data Source
AI summary
A door includes a plurality of door panels hingedly connected. At least one of the plurality of panels includes a frame, a glazing member, and a retainer member. The frame defines an opening and includes a lip extending into the opening. A front side of the glazing member is disposed adjacent the lip. The retainer member is disposed adjacent a rear side of the glazing member. The retainer member includes a body member, a first leg, a second leg, a third leg, and a fourth leg. At least three of the first, second, third, and fourth legs are configured for receipt into corresponding channels in the frame to secure the retainer member to the frame.