Adjustable Framing Bracket for Cladding Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building cladding systems face delays and increased costs due to misalignment of original building openings, particularly windows, which require customization and precise alignment to maintain a neat and clean appearance, especially with aluminum composite cladding where straight lines are noticeable.
Innovation Solution
A framing system comprising orthogonal boundary frame elements with flanges and L-shaped joiner elements allows for the construction of a box frame that can be adjusted and affixed over original building openings, enabling precise alignment and installation without on-site customization, using a method that includes constructing a frame larger than the opening, loosely installing it, adjusting its position, and permanently affixing it to create a continuous joint with the cladding wall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If cladding is installed directly over existing building openings, then rapid construction is achieved, but misalignment of openings causes visible errors and requires customization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces adjustable framing brackets as intermediary components between the cladding panels and the existing building structure. These brackets serve as mediators that can be adjusted to accommodate misaligned openings while maintaining straight, precise cladding lines. The brackets absorb the misalignment errors without requiring customization of the cladding panels themselves, thus preserving both construction speed and alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The framing brackets are designed with adjustable features that allow them to dynamically adapt to varying opening positions and dimensions. The brackets can be adjusted on-site to match the actual location of windows and doors, enabling the cladding system to accommodate irregularities without sacrificing precision or requiring time-consuming customization of each panel.
2Manufacturing precision
If cladding panels are customized for every opening to accommodate misalignment, then alignment precision is improved, but installation time and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cladding system into modular components: standard cladding panels and adjustable framing brackets. By segmenting the system, the precision requirements are shifted from the panels to the brackets, which are designed to be adjusted on-site. This allows standard panels to be used without customization while still achieving precise alignment through the adjustable brackets.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable framing brackets act as intermediaries that absorb the complexity of accommodating misaligned openings. Instead of customizing each cladding panel to fit specific opening variations, the brackets provide the adjustment capability, simplifying the overall installation process and reducing time losses.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable framing brackets are used to accommodate opening variations, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies adjustability locally at the framing bracket level rather than throughout the entire cladding system. The brackets incorporate adjustment mechanisms only where needed to accommodate opening variations, while the rest of the cladding panels remain simple and standardized. This localized approach provides adaptability without unnecessarily increasing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, device and method of framing an opening, such as a window, in a clad façade 12 structure to align the window units 22 to be positioned adjustably so that the exterior sight lines align the windows without custom fabrication of the clad façade. This allows irregular variations in the original building structure to be eliminated by a perfectly aligned façade. A frame 20 has wide flanges 40 to allow the defined inner box frame area 34 to be positioned and then the frame can be shimmed to that position. Sections of frame 20 are joined by an angled member 54 with flat portion which are received in slots 56 in frame sections at their edges.