Universal Glass Edge Rail with Integrated Pivot Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glass panel support rails are complex, limited in versatility, and require separate accessory channels for mounting and pivot structures, making them difficult to assemble and aesthetically unappealing.
Innovation Solution
A compact, streamlined support rail system consisting of paired rail sections with integrated mounting and pivot structures, allowing for universal use as top or bottom rails, and adjustable for right or left-hand mounting, eliminating the need for separate accessory channels and providing a dry glazing capability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional edge rails are used with separate accessory channels, then mounting and pivot structures can be housed, but the device complexity increases and assembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the accessory channel function directly into the rail structure itself, eliminating the need for separate channels. The rail includes integrated mounting surfaces and pivot structure housings that are formed as part of the rail body, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining mounting capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The rail is designed with universal features that allow it to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support, houses mounting structures, accommodates pivot mechanisms, and enables both top and bottom rail applications. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components.
2Reliability
If traditional edge rails with multiple components are used, then specific installation requirements can be met, but versatility across different installations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The rail is designed with universal features that allow it to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support, houses mounting structures, accommodates pivot mechanisms, and enables both top and bottom rail applications. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The rail includes adjustable features that allow it to adapt to different installation configurations. The mounting structures can be positioned at various locations along the rail, and the pivot mechanisms can be adjusted for different orientations, enabling the same rail design to accommodate diverse installation requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate accessory channels are used for mounting structures, then specific functions can be housed, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the accessory channel function directly into the rail structure itself, eliminating the need for separate channels. The rail includes integrated mounting surfaces and pivot structure housings that are formed as part of the rail body, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining mounting capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The separate accessory channels are extracted from the design and integrated directly into the rail structure. This eliminates the visual clutter of separate channels while preserving the mounting functions, resulting in a cleaner, more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
4Reliability
If complex multi-component rails are used, then specific installation requirements can be met, but assembly time and ease of assembly deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the accessory channel function directly into the rail structure itself, eliminating the need for separate channels. The rail includes integrated mounting surfaces and pivot structure housings that are formed as part of the rail body, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining mounting capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The rail is divided into modular sections that can be easily assembled together. Each section includes integrated mounting and pivot structures that are pre-formed, allowing for quick assembly without the need to construct separate components. This segmentation enables straightforward installation while meeting all required functions.
Data Source
AI summary
An edge rail for a pane or panel of glass or like material to be used as a door or partition is made of mating male and female rail sections defining a channel for reception of and secure attachment to an edge portion of a pane or panel. The two rail sections have portions thereof cut away and defining a recess or chamber for reception of a door or partition supporting structure directly within the rail and not as an appendage thereto. The edge rail has substantially universal application as either a top rail or a bottom rail and for either a right hand mount or a left hand mount. The rail is relatively small, slim and compact and imparts an esthetically pleasing appearance to the panel assembly.