Bottom-Supported Windbreak Panels with Self-Lubricating Guides

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing glass and aluminum independent pane enclosure systems face issues due to continuous stress from top-hanging weight, leading to problems like sticking, misalignment, and water leakage, and require additional structural reinforcement and maintenance, while also being limited by ceiling strength and imperfect glass measurements.

Innovation Solution

A system where the weight is supported by the bottom track without bearings or wheels, featuring adjustable profiles and a waterproof design with self-lubricating polymers and polyamide guides, allowing for flexible configuration and easy installation and maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If top-hanging bearings are used to support the weight of the system, then the panes can be held in place, but the system experiences continuous stress leading to sticking, misalignment, and water leakage over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidmaintenance-free operation period

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional top-hanging support system by placing the weight support at the bottom instead. The bottom track with polyamide guides and self-lubricating polymers carries the full weight of the panes, while the top track serves only as a guide. This inversion eliminates continuous stress on bearings and wheels, preventing sticking, misalignment, and water leakage issues that plague conventional systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical bearing and wheel system with a direct friction-based sliding system. Instead of using bearings that require lubrication and maintenance, the system uses self-lubricating polymers and polyamide guides that provide smooth operation without mechanical complexity, eliminating the need for maintenance while ensuring long-term reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Strength

If top-hanging weight support is used, then the panes can be held securely, but additional structural reinforcement is required and ceiling strength becomes a limiting factor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepane support capabilityVSAvoidstructural reinforcement requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transfers the weight support function from the ceiling-mounted top track to the floor-mounted bottom track. This eliminates the need for ceiling reinforcement and removes the limitation of ceiling strength. The bottom track, being structurally more stable and easier to reinforce, now carries the full weight through its polyamide guides and self-lubricating polymer system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional screwing and welding fabrication methods are used for turning and guidance mechanisms, then the parts can be assembled, but the installation process becomes complex and future safety is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent assemblyVSAvoidinstallation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex screwing and welding fabrication methods with a modular system using self-lubricating polymers and polyamide guides that can be directly installed into the bottom track. This substitution simplifies the installation process while maintaining component strength and safety, eliminating the need for complex assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If moving panes have joints in between them, then the panes can be connected to form enclosures, but water leakage occurs and progressive aging happens due to exposure to direct sun and weather conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenclosure configurationVSAvoidwaterproof performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical joints between moving panes with a system using self-lubricating polymers and polyamide guides that create a continuous, seamless connection. This substitution eliminates gaps and joints that would allow water leakage and reduces exposure to weathering, maintaining waterproof performance while allowing flexible enclosure configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 provides reliable, waterproof, and adjustable enclosures that can handle imperfect glass measurements, reducing maintenance needs and allowing for flexible configuration without relying on ceiling strength, ensuring smooth operation and longevity.

Implementation Method 1

The bottom track works as a guide for the panes, not supporting any weight. All the panes work independently and a person can slide them along the tracks.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSelf-lubrication: Lubrication

Implementation Method 2

featuring adjustable profiles and a waterproof design with self-lubricating polymers and polyamide guides, allowing for flexible configuration and easy installation and maintenance.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2436862B1Windbreak system

Publication Date: 2017.08.02 ALLGLASS CONFORT SYST SL

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AI summary

This invention relates to a windbreak system formed by a set of independent, folding panels (1) that move longitudinally along an upper guide rail (6) and another, lower guide rail (7) and a non-movable folding door (24), in which each panel (1) and the door (24) include a rotating shaft and folding shaft. The panels (1) are moved manually and do not have rollers, the entire weight of the panels resting on two strips of self-lubricating polymer inserted into slots in the lower rail (7).