Anchor-Free Cladding Fastening via Tongue-and-Groove Hangers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for fastening cladding panels lack a simple, fast, and anchor-free method, particularly for heavy-weight panels, which compromises safety and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An anchor-free system utilizing two-element hangers with angled tongues and grooves on a profiled metal substructure, allowing for secure attachment without visible anchors, distributing mechanical stresses over a larger surface area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional anchor-based systems are used to fasten cladding panels, then the fastening strength is sufficient, but the system complexity increases and installation time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the anchor component from the fastening system entirely. The tongue-and-groove mechanism achieves direct mechanical interlocking between the hanger and cladding panel without requiring separate anchor elements embedded in the wall structure, thereby simplifying the system while maintaining fastening strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the fastening function and the positioning function into a single integrated tongue-and-groove mechanism. The groove in the cladding panel simultaneously provides the anchoring interface and the alignment reference, eliminating the need for separate anchor and positioning components.
2Reliability
If traditional anchor-based systems are used to fasten cladding panels, then the fastening reliability is adequate, but the installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tongue and groove features are pre-formed during the manufacturing of the cladding panels and hangers. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site drilling, anchoring, and alignment operations, significantly reducing installation time while ensuring consistent fastening reliability through factory-controlled precision.
3Strength
If visible anchors are used to fasten cladding panels, then the structural integrity is ensured, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the visible anchor component from the façade surface and replaces it with a concealed tongue-and-groove joint. The groove is positioned on the rear surface of the cladding panel, allowing the fastening mechanism to remain hidden while the panel's front surface maintains its clean, uninterrupted aesthetic appearance.
4Reliability
If multiple fastening components are used to ensure safety, then the structural strength is sufficient, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tongue-and-groove mechanism performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical interlocking for strength, alignment guidance for positioning, and concealed joining for aesthetics. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate anchor, positioning, and finishing components, reducing both material quantity and overall system cost.
Data Source
AI summary
An anchor-free system for fastening cladding panels is composed of a two-element hanger. An upper element of the hanger is connected with a bottom element of the hanger. The contact area of this connection forms a shelf. There is an opening to accommodate an adjustment bolt. The upper element of the hanger has the form of a vertical wall closed in the bottom with a horizontal or inclined shelf having openings for screws. The vertical wall of the upper element of the hanger has a tongue located at an angle relative to the vertical wall of the upper element of the hanger. The bottom element of the hanger has the form of two vertical walls connected in the top with a horizontal or inclined shelf having openings for the screws. The vertical wall of the bottom element makes a hitch for the base profile of an installation substructure.