Concealed Fastening Tab for Building Trim Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional building finishing element systems face challenges in achieving concealed fastening, which complicates installation, increases costs, and reduces flexibility, especially at corners and around window and door openings, due to visible fasteners and complex manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A load-bearing concealed fixing tab system with a first and second portion, where the first portion connects to the building finishing element's structure-facing surface and the second portion extends outward to connect to a support structure, allowing for concealed fastening and secure positioning of finishing elements, including trim members, fascia boards, and soffits, using L-shaped tabs and various materials like metals and composites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional face fixing through trim surface is used, then fastening is simple and direct, but the fastener heads are visible requiring additional finishing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing system is divided into two functional parts: a visible trim member and a concealed fixing member (tab) that extends through the trim. The tab is segmented from the trim surface, allowing fastening to occur on the reverse side while the trim face remains clean and uninterrupted.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing action is moved from the two-dimensional face surface to the three-dimensional space behind the trim. The tab extends perpendicular to the trim face, relocating the fastening operation to a different spatial dimension where it is concealed from external view.
2Shape
If nails are driven flush or below trim surface, then smooth appearance is achieved, but additional time-consuming finishing steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening function is extracted from the face surface and relocated to the concealed tab structure. The tab assumes the role of providing mechanical attachment, while the trim face is freed from fastening operations, eliminating the need for nail driving, filling, or painting steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The tab acts as an intermediary element between the trim member and the support structure. It provides the mechanical connection function that would otherwise require direct fastening through the trim face, thereby protecting the trim surface from fastening operations.
3Shape
If pre-finished trim pieces are used, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but fastening options are limited and additional steps are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The tab is pre-attached to the trim member during manufacturing, creating a pre-assembled unit. This preliminary action allows the trim to be delivered in a ready-to-install state while maintaining the concealed fastening capability, eliminating the need for post-installation finishing work.
Solution Approach 2:
The tab and trim member are combined into a single integrated assembly. This merging of components ensures that the aesthetic trim surface and the functional fastening element work together seamlessly, providing both visual appeal and installation flexibility without requiring separate finishing operations.
4Productivity
If standard fastening methods are used, then installation is straightforward, but weatherproofing requires additional sealing compounds
Solution Approach 1:
The tab replicates the structural connection function of traditional face fastening while eliminating the aesthetic and weatherproofing drawbacks. It provides a copy of the mechanical attachment capability in a concealed configuration that inherently protects against weather infiltration.
Solution Approach 2:
The concealed tab structure converts the potential harm of exposed fastener holes (weather infiltration paths) into a benefit by eliminating the holes entirely from the face surface. The fastening function is preserved while the vulnerability to weather is removed.
Data Source
AI summary
In one form of building structure, trim installations are applied around window or door frame openings and at internal or external corners of a building. The trim serves both an aesthetic purpose in adding a decorative feature to building envelopes and also adds an additional weatherproofing purpose in allowing for more complete weatherproofing of building envelope corners and openings. The present invention relates to a concealed fastening building finishing element system that enables concealed fastening of finishing elements such as trim components, fascia boards, frieze boards, belly band boards, and the like to an underlying structure and to the fixings used in these systems. The invention is particularly useful with trim elements around window and door frame openings and at building corners.