Integrated Balcony Profile System with Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for balcony and terrace drainage and fall protection are assembly-intensive, complex, and do not meet modern facade design requirements, as they require separate installation of support profiles and drainage systems, which can weaken the floor slabs and are visually unappealing.
Innovation Solution
A profile system combining a base profile for fall protection and drainage, featuring a one-piece or multi-part design with elastic joints, an openly accessible water-bearing channel, and a removable dirt grid, allowing for adjustable mounting options and integration of glass railings without visible posts, thereby simplifying assembly and enhancing aesthetic appeal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate support profiles and drainage systems are installed, then drainage function is achieved, but installation complexity increases and structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the support profile and drainage system into a single integrated unit. The support profile includes integrated drainage channels, gutters, and fastening elements that work together as one system, eliminating the need for separate installation of support structures and drainage components.
Solution Approach 2:
The support profile serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the balcony or terrace, integrates drainage channels for water management, includes fastening elements for securing the structure, and incorporates adjustment mechanisms for installation flexibility. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed.
2Reliability
If separate support profiles and drainage systems are installed, then drainage function is achieved, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the support profile and drainage system into one integrated component, the patent enables simultaneous installation of both functions in a single operation, significantly reducing the time required compared to installing separate support structures and drainage systems sequentially.
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage channels, gutters, and fastening elements are pre-integrated into the support profile during manufacturing. This preliminary integration means that during installation, the entire system is installed as one unit rather than requiring separate assembly steps for drainage components.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple fastening elements are installed in completed floor slabs, then secure attachment is achieved, but floor slab integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent distributes multiple fastening elements at different locations within the integrated support profile, allowing secure attachment while spreading the structural impact across multiple points rather than concentrating stress at single locations, thereby preserving floor slab integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated support profile acts as an intermediary between the floor slab and the drainage system. It provides dedicated fastening elements that attach to the floor slab without requiring direct penetration or modification of the slab structure for drainage components, thus preserving slab integrity while achieving secure attachment.
4Reliability
If traditional drainage arrangements are installed, then drainage function is achieved, but accessibility is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable and removable components in the drainage system, such as adjustable gutters and removable access panels, that allow maintenance personnel to access and service the drainage channels after installation, transforming a static, inaccessible system into a dynamic, maintainable one.
5Strength
If separate support frames and end profile arrangements are used, then structural support is achieved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the support profile with integrated drainage channels and cover elements into a single streamlined component, the patent creates a unified aesthetic appearance without visible separate frames or drainage components, while maintaining full structural support functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates aesthetically pleasing design elements at specific locations, such as decorative cover panels for drainage channels and streamlined profile shapes, that enhance appearance without compromising the structural support function of the overall system.
Data Source
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AI summary
A profile system (100) is proposed for supporting a surface element (5) for arrangement on a balcony or terrace of a building, wherein the profile system (100) comprises a first base profile (1) or a second base profile (2) which has the function of a holding or supporting profile for the surface element (5), as well as a drainage device (21) combined therewith for controlled balcony or terrace drainage.