Adjustable Post Curtain Wall Facade System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building facade systems are cumbersome, costly, and difficult to install due to the need for unsightly anchors, shimming, and separate installations of insulation and sealants, which increase material and labor costs and obstruct views and light.
Innovation Solution
A horizontally supported and post-anchored curtain wall facade system that is easily adjustable horizontally and vertically, eliminating the need for shims and spacers, allowing panels to be positioned close to the building floor slabs and accommodating construction tolerances and slab deflections, with a method involving adjustable posts and threaded fasteners for secure and adjustable mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If vertical load carrying members are secured to floor slabs via large anchors, then the framework is structurally supported, but the anchors are unsightly, obtrusive, and block views and light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the vertical load carrying members and their anchors from the traditional configuration. Instead of securing vertical members to floor slabs with large anchors, the system uses horizontal shelf members that rest on the floor slabs, eliminating the need for penetrating anchors and their associated visual and light-blocking problems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional support configuration by switching from vertical members secured to horizontal surfaces to horizontal members resting on vertical surfaces. This inversion allows the framework to be supported without penetrating anchors, thereby preserving views and light transmission.
2Strength
If prior framework is secured to floor slabs with embedded anchors, then structural support is achieved, but the anchors conflict with steel reinforcing system placement requiring costly modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the embedded anchor system entirely by using a shelf member configuration that rests on the floor slabs without requiring penetration or embedding into the concrete, thereby avoiding conflicts with steel reinforcing systems and associated modification costs.
Solution Approach 2:
By inverting the support configuration from vertical-to-horizontal anchoring, the patent eliminates the need for embedded anchors that would conflict with reinforcement placement, simplifying the construction process and reducing costs.
3Reliability
If prior curtain wall systems use vertical load carrying members with separate installations of firesafing insulation, reinforcing, and smoke sealant, then safety requirements are met, but material and labor costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the shelf member and panel assembly. The shelf members and panels are designed to incorporate fire safety, insulation, and sealing functions in a unified system, eliminating the need for separate installations of firesafing insulation, reinforcing, and smoke sealant.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf members and curtain wall panels are designed as multi-functional components that simultaneously provide structural support, fire safety, thermal insulation, and smoke sealing, thereby reducing the number of separate components and installations required.
4Adaptability or versatility
If prior systems require shimming of anchor brackets to the structure, then adjustment to construction tolerances is achieved, but expensive and labor intensive shim placements are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable mechanisms in the shelf members and vertical mullions that allow for dynamic adjustment to accommodate construction tolerances and slab deflections, eliminating the need for static shim placements while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical shimming system with an adjustable support system that uses threaded rods, nuts, and movable connections to achieve the same adaptability function without requiring separate shim components and their associated labor-intensive installation.
5Adaptability or versatility
If framework is made adjustable to compensate for construction tolerances, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses adjustable connections with threaded rods and nuts that allow for simple vertical and horizontal adjustment of the shelf members and vertical mullions, providing adaptability through straightforward mechanical means without excessive complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A building facade system includes framework having shelf members secured to the floor slabs. Vertical mullions are fastened to the shelf members and thereby hang therefrom. The mullions extend below the floor slab and include a riser portion extending above the floor slab. Horizontal support members fastened to the mullions support infill panels and are coupled to horizontal cap members which are fastened to the top terminal ends of the mullion riser portions. Intermediate support members fastened to the mullions support slab edge cover panels which can be opaque. Posts are fastened to the shelf members and are secured to the floor slabs within embedded channels. The posts are horizontally and vertically adjustably fastenable to the shelf members. The shelf members are thereby horizontally and vertically adjustable relative to the floor slabs. The weight of the panels, mullions and shelf members is transferred through the posts to the floor slab.