Cladding Panel U-Profile Cover for Plaster-Free Reveal Transition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cladding panels for reveals and lintels are difficult to assemble and require time-consuming plastering to achieve a clean transition with adjacent walls, especially in cases where the masonry already has existing plaster.

Innovation Solution

A cladding panel with a U-shaped plug-in profile and a cover profile that can be anchored within the plug-in profile, allowing for easy installation and a clean transition without additional plastering, using locking sections and adhesive for secure anchoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a cladding panel is mounted in a reveal or lintel, then the panel covers the opening and connects to the window or door frame, but the transition to the adjoining wall surface is problematic and requires additional plastering work

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidcomplexity of transition detail
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transition solution is divided into two separate components: a U-shaped plug-in profile that is integrally formed with the cladding panel, and a separate cover profile that is inserted into the U-shaped profile. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cover profile is inserted into and nested within the U-shaped plug-in profile. The cover profile's plug-in section fits into the U-shaped profile's receiving groove, creating a nested structure that provides a clean transition without requiring additional plastering.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Manufacturing precision

If plastering legs are provided on the cladding panel to achieve a clean edge transition, then the transition is improved, but this presupposes that the masonry must be plastered which is not always necessary

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclean edge transitionVSAvoidadaptability to existing plaster
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cover profile acts as an intermediary element between the cladding panel and the wall surface. It provides a clean edge transition while adapting to both new and existing plaster conditions, eliminating the need for plastering legs that would require new plaster application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The solution changes the approach from modifying the wall surface (plastering) to modifying the transition detail itself. By providing a cover profile that can be inserted into the U-shaped profile, the system adapts to different wall conditions without requiring changes to the wall surface parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If time-consuming plastering work is performed to achieve a clean transition, then the transition quality is improved, but the installation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclean edge transitionVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The U-shaped plug-in profile is integrally formed with the cladding panel during manufacturing, and the cover profile is designed to be simply inserted into it. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming plastering work during installation, while still achieving a clean edge transition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of operation

If a simple cover profile insertion method is used, then the assembly is easy and quick, but secure anchoring of the cover profile must be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of cover profile installationVSAvoidanchoring security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is segmented into the U-shaped profile with its receiving groove and the cover profile with its plug-in section. This segmentation allows for a simple insertion operation while maintaining secure anchoring through the geometric fit of the interconnected profiles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2607571B1Cladding panel for mounting in an embrasure or a lintel
Publication Date: 2016.08.10 ZAHNER HLDG
  • EP2607571B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2607571B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2607571B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The panel (1) has to a groove (10) opened to an exposed narrow side (9) of the panel. A covering section (14) is provided with a cover portion (16) anchored with an insertion portion (15) into the groove. The exposed narrow side of the panel and an adjacent wall portion (2) are overlapped with the cover portion in an insertion position. The insertion portion is latched into the groove. Detent portions run in the groove in a profile longitudinal direction and are provided in the groove. The cover portion comprises an end section bent at an angle less than or equal to 90 degree.