Corrugated Thin Brick Panel with Integrated Ventilation Ledges

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thin brick systems for buildings are costly and time-consuming to install, and they lack effective ventilation, which can lead to moisture issues and reduced longevity.

Innovation Solution

A thin brick panel system featuring a corrugated sheeting with a repetitive pattern of peaks and valleys, where ledges are formed from valley material to create multiple ventilation paths and support bricks, allowing for efficient installation and improved airflow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional thin brick systems are used, then brick laying can be done, but it is expensive and time consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the bricklaying process into pre-assembled panel units with integrated bricks, ledges, and ventilation channels. These panels can be manufactured off-site and quickly installed as complete assemblies, dramatically reducing on-site installation time and labor costs compared to traditional brick-by-brick laying.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The panels are pre-assembled with bricks, ledges, and ventilation paths before delivery to the construction site. This preliminary preparation of components and their integration into complete panels eliminates time-consuming on-site assembly operations and reduces overall installation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If traditional thin brick systems are used, then brick support is provided, but ventilation is insufficient leading to moisture issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture resistanceVSAvoidmoisture accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates dedicated ventilation channels and pathways integrated into the panel structure at specific locations. These localized ventilation features provide targeted airflow to areas prone to moisture accumulation, such as behind bricks and at ledges, preventing moisture buildup without requiring complete system redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The ventilation channels act as intermediary pathways that facilitate moisture evacuation from critical areas. These dedicated airflow corridors mediate between the enclosed spaces behind bricks and the external environment, enabling continuous moisture removal and preventing accumulation that would compromise reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If simple panel structures are used, then manufacturing is easier, but ventilation paths are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanel fabricationVSAvoidventilation deficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges multiple functions into the panel structure: brick support, ledge formation, and ventilation channel creation are all achieved through integrated panel design. This consolidation allows ventilation pathways to be built-in during standard panel manufacturing processes without requiring additional complex fabrication steps or separate assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11466464B2Clip attachment for panel system

Publication Date: 2022.10.11 BOLIN JOEL W

AI summary

A panel system consisting of a panel having a repetitive pattern of aligned peaks and valleys, a series of ledges associated with the valleys and configured such that at least a portion of each ledge extends beyond adjacent peaks, and a plurality of clips, wherein each clip is attachable to a ledge and is further configured to attach to and support a product.