Curtain Wall Bracket Leveling System with Threaded Adjusters

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Solution Overview

Problem

The current methods for leveling curtain wall panel brackets in building construction are cumbersome, time-consuming, and prone to inconsistencies, leading to increased labor costs, potential structural integrity issues, and aesthetic problems due to manual shimming and the variability in skill levels among workers.

Innovation Solution

A curtain wall panel bracket leveling system that includes threaded adjusters, spacer plates, expansion nuts, leveling compound, and an anchor assembly with independently rotatable levelers to facilitate precise leveling and adjustment of panel brackets without the need for manual shimming, ensuring consistent and secure installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual shimming is used to level panel brackets, then workers can adjust the level of brackets, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepanel bracket levelingVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the time-consuming manual shimming operation by integrating leveling functionality directly into the anchor assembly. The adjustable legs with threadable components extract the leveling function from a separate manual process and embed it within the anchoring system itself, allowing workers to level brackets during installation without additional shimming steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the leveling mechanism with the anchor assembly into a single integrated unit. The adjustable legs, threadable components, and anchor elements are merged into one assembly that performs both anchoring and leveling functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate shimming operations and reducing installation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If manual shimming is used to level panel brackets, then workers can adjust the level of brackets, but inconsistencies occur due to variability in worker skill levels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepanel bracket levelingVSAvoidleveling consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic adjustable legs with threadable components that allow precise, incremental adjustments during installation. This dynamic adjustment mechanism enables workers to achieve accurate leveling by rotating the threaded portions, providing fine control over bracket position and improving consistency regardless of worker skill level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the anchoring system by incorporating threadable legs with adjustable lengths. This parameter change allows precise control over the vertical position and level of panel brackets, transforming the leveling process from a粗放 manual shimming operation to a controlled, measurable adjustment process that improves consistency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If traditional anchoring methods are used, then embedments can be installed in concrete slabs, but future level adjustments become difficult or impossible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanchor installationVSAvoidfuture level adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates dynamically adjustable legs with threadable components into the anchor assembly, allowing the anchored object to be repositioned and re-leveled at any time after installation. This dynamic adjustment capability enables future level corrections without requiring demolition or replacement of the anchor, combining reliable initial installation with long-term adjustability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of manufacture

If embedments are positioned using tape measures and control lines, then workers can locate embedment positions, but the process requires multiple measurements and is prone to errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveembedment positioningVSAvoidembedment location accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates preliminary positioning features directly into the anchor assembly, such as pre-marked alignment indicators or integrated positioning components. This preliminary action allows workers to quickly locate and position embedments with greater accuracy, reducing the need for multiple measurements and minimizing positioning errors during the concrete pouring process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2929102B1Curtain wall panel bracket leveling system
Publication Date: 2018.10.17 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • EP2929102B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP2929102B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP2929102B1 patent drawingFigure 2A

AI summary

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a curtain wall panel bracket leveling system that facilitates leveling a panel bracket mounted to a fixture (such as an embedment or an anchor array) cast in a concrete slab.