Concealed Latching Mechanism for Curtain Wall Thermal Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unitized window wall systems face limitations in thermal resistance due to limited space, are difficult to maintain and clean, and require complex off-site installation, leading to increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A concealed latching mechanism for window or curtain wall assemblies with variable depth sealed chambers for enhanced thermal performance, allowing air or gas transfer, and a fastener system that unifies panels structurally while allowing for interior assembly and minimizing exterior exposure, enabling flexible installation and aesthetic design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If unitized window wall systems use exposed mullion frames with clips or bolts, then structural connection is achieved, but thermal resistance is reduced and maintenance difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the mullion frames from the exterior surface, concealing them within the window panel assembly. The fastening mechanism is integrated into the panel structure, removing exposed thermal bridges and improving thermal resistance while maintaining structural connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening clips and structural connection elements are nested within the window panel assembly rather than being exposed on the exterior. This nesting approach conceals the thermal bridges while preserving the structural integrity of the connection.
2Strength
If unitized window wall systems use exposed mullion frames, then structural connection is achieved, but maintenance and cleaning difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes exposed mullion frames from the exterior surface, eliminating the complex junctions between mullions that are difficult to access for maintenance and cleaning. The fastening mechanism is integrated flush with the panel surface, providing easy access for maintenance operations.
3Manufacturing precision
If unitized window wall systems use complex off-site installation, then assembly precision is improved, but installation cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The window panels are pre-assembled with integrated fastening mechanisms and structural connections at the factory before shipment. This preliminary assembly reduces on-site installation complexity and time, while maintaining manufacturing precision through controlled factory conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The concealed fastening mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-latching, allowing panels to be quickly connected on-site without complex adjustment procedures. The system serves itself by automatically ensuring proper alignment and secure connection.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides high thermal resistance, simplified on-site installation, reduced maintenance, improved acoustic separation, and increased energy absorption, while allowing for flexible design and remote control of shading devices, enhancing both functional and aesthetic aspects.
Implementation Method 1
The chamber reduces heat loss due to convection allowing it to outperform current double or triple glazing window walls
Implementation Method 2
The noble gas, typically argon or xenon, is used for thermal insulation and is installed on an exterior side of the mullion frames
Data Source
AI summary
Window or curtain wall assemblies and concealed window fastening assemblies are disclosed. Each window panel includes two layers of glass or other material separated by a spacing mullion, which lines the perimeter of the window panel to create a sealed chamber. The depth of the sealed chamber between the two layers is variable to accommodate either thermal requirements, vertical and horizontal structural loads, or both. The chamber reduces heat loss due to convection allowing it to outperform current double or triple glazing window walls. Each chamber can connect through tubes to allow for air or gas transfer to enhance thermal performance and create the potential for other functional and aesthetic effects. When the window panels are assembled, the latching mechanism structurally unifies each panel to become a single monolithic surface that can also account for thermal expansion. Elements of the latching mechanism are arranged to allow the window or curtain wall to be assembled from the interior, leaving only caulking to be performed from the exterior. Concealing all of such elements helps eliminate the exposure of window mullions and minimizes maintenance of the window or curtain wall.