Cladding Element Foot Profile for Concealed Lighting Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing facade and roof cladding systems with integrated lighting devices often disrupt the uniform aesthetic appearance and require high assembly effort due to visible lighting devices and complex installation processes.
Innovation Solution
A receiving profile is integrated into the cladding element's foot area, allowing for the placement of a lighting device that emits light beyond the cladding element's edge, with the profile being partially or fully hidden from the exterior, and featuring a design that prevents lateral tilting and provides protection for the lighting device, enabling efficient and aesthetically pleasing illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a lighting device is attached to the outer surface of a cladding element, then the lighting function is achieved, but the uniform aesthetic appearance of the facade is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting device is nested within a receiving profile that is integrated into the cladding element structure. The receiving profile creates a recessed area where the lighting device is housed, allowing it to be concealed from external view while remaining functional. This nesting approach enables the lighting function to be achieved without disrupting the uniform aesthetic appearance of the facade surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving profile acts as an intermediary structure between the cladding element and the lighting device. It provides a dedicated space for housing the lighting device while maintaining the external aesthetic continuity of the cladding surface. The profile serves as a mediator that reconciles the functional requirement for lighting with the aesthetic requirement for uniform appearance.
2Shape
If a lighting device is integrated within the facade assembly, then the aesthetic appearance is maintained, but the assembly effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cladding element is segmented to include an integrated receiving profile as a distinct structural component. This segmentation allows the receiving profile to be pre-formed and then attached to the cladding element in a separate, simplified step. The lighting device can then be easily installed within the pre-prepared receiving profile, reducing the overall assembly complexity compared to integrating lighting directly into the facade structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving profile is prepared in advance as a pre-formed component with the appropriate recesses and mounting features for the lighting device. This preliminary preparation of the receiving profile before final assembly allows for quick and easy installation of the lighting device, significantly reducing the assembly effort required compared to creating the lighting housing and mounting structures during the final installation phase.
3Reliability
If the receiving profile extends from one side edge to the opposite side edge of the cladding element, then the lighting device is protected and later tilting is prevented, but the profile complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving profile is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the cladding element, creates a protective recess for the lighting device, prevents lateral tilting through its extended side-to-side configuration, and offers mounting surfaces for both the cladding and lighting components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing complexity while achieving comprehensive protection and stability.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
A cladding element (1) for a facade or roof cladding (29) has a cladding element base body (2) with a head area (4) with which the cladding element base body (2) can be fixed to a substructure of the facade or roof cladding, and a foot area (5) which is arranged at a foot end (6) opposite the head area (4) of a cladding element outer surface (3) of the cladding element base body (2).In the foot area (5) on an inner surface (8) of the cladding element base body (2) opposite the outer surface (3) of the cladding element, a receiving profile (9) for a lighting device (16) is arranged, projecting away from the outer surface (3) of the cladding element, wherein the receiving profile (9) has a receiving area (15) for the lighting device (16) extending along a foot edge (13) at the foot end (6) of the cladding element base body (2), and wherein the receiving profile (9) extends at least section by section from a first side edge of the foot area (5) of the cladding element base body (2) to an opposite second side edge of the foot area (5).