Adjustable Panel Profile for Building Element Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for installing panels on building structures face challenges due to dimensional inaccuracies in building components, leading to complex and time-consuming adjustments, safety risks for installers, and aesthetically unsatisfactory installations, especially when operating with glossy or reflecting surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A U-shaped profile with adjustable actuators and an abutment element allows for controllable rotation and locking of panels, enabling compensation for surface defects and safe, efficient installation from within the building structure, eliminating the need for dangerous external operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional metal profiles with fixed positioning are used, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the installation time is extended and adjustment complexity increases due to surface defects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprofile manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing adjustable positioning elements (screws, wedges, or hydraulic actuators) that allow the profile to adapt its position dynamically during installation. This enables real-time adjustment to compensate for surface defects, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual fitting and masking operations while keeping the base profile structure simple and easy to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the profile's positional parameters (vertical position, horizontal alignment, inclination) to be modified during installation through adjustable elements. This enables the profile to adapt to varying surface conditions without requiring complex manufacturing, thus reducing installation time while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If adjustments and masking are performed to compensate for dimensional defects, then the verticality of panellings is optimized, but the installation process becomes more complex and requires greater technical preparation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepanelling verticalityVSAvoidinstallation process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the self-service principle by designing profiles with self-adjusting mechanisms that automatically compensate for surface defects during installation. The adjustable elements allow the installer to achieve proper verticality through simple operations rather than complex masking and fitting procedures, reducing technical preparation requirements while maintaining high precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses dynamics by incorporating movable adjustment elements that enable real-time correction of positioning errors. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the installer to achieve precise verticality through straightforward operations, eliminating the need for complex static masking and fitting procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If installers operate from outside the building component using aerial platforms or ladders, then panel assembly can be performed, but safety risks increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepanel assembly accessibilityVSAvoidinstaller safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the inversion principle by reversing the traditional installation approach: instead of accessing the profile from outside the building component, the adjustable positioning elements are designed to be accessible and operable from inside the building component. This allows installers to work from safe positions inside the structure, eliminating the need for dangerous external operations with aerial platforms or ladders.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Adaptability or versatility

If complex adjusting means with concave portions and tilting plates are used, then panel inclination adjustment is achieved, but manufacturing cost and operational difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepanel inclination adjustment capabilityVSAvoidprofile manufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the adjustment function into separate, simple components (adjustable positioning elements) rather than using a single complex integrated mechanism. This allows each element to be manufactured independently with simple geometry, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining full inclination adjustment capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3303727B1Profile for connecting panelling to a building element
Publication Date: 2021.09.22 FARAONE
  • EP3303727B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3303727B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(b)
  • EP3303727B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(c)

AI summary

The object of the present invention is a profile (1) for connecting one or more panellings (2) to a building element (E) comprising: a bottom (10) capable of being anchored to said building element (E), a first (11) and second (12) vertical wing, opposed and substantially parallel to each other, a cavity (13) for the insertion of at least the lower edge (20) of said one or more panellings (2) resting at the bottom on a support surface (6; 10), adjusting means (4, 4', F) of the inclination of said one or more panellings (2). The adjusting means (4, 4', F) comprise: at least one upper actuator (41) and one lower actuator (41'), manoeuvrable from the outside, capable of translating crosswise within said cavity (13) of said profile (1) and of pressing on a face of said one or more panellings (2) placed in rotation about a fulcrum (F) substantially located at an abutment element (40) fixed and projecting from said second wing (12). The height of said abutment element (40) from said support surface (6; 10) by the lower edge (20) of said one or more panellings (2) is intermediate between those of said upper (41) and lower (41') actuators.