Adjustable Curtain Wall Bracket for Mullion Racking Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Curtain wall panels are prone to movement and deflection during and after installation, leading to uneven distribution of loads and potential twisting or 'racking' of the panels, which can result in damage to glazing components.
Innovation Solution
A vertically adjustable curtain wall bracket assembly that includes a backplate and a bracket with an adjustment mechanism, allowing manual vertical adjustment of the mullion relative to the backplate through a threaded bolt and nut system, enabling the bracket to move vertically and adjust the position of the mullion accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If curtain wall panels are installed with fixed brackets, then installation is simple and quick, but the panels are prone to movement and deflection causing twisting or racking
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket assembly incorporates a threaded adjustment mechanism that allows the bracket to move vertically relative to the backplate. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to accommodate building movement and prevent panel twisting, while maintaining ease of installation through a straightforward adjustment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the vertical position parameter of the bracket relative to the backplate through threaded adjustment. This parameter change allows the bracket to adapt to different vertical positions, accommodating deflection and movement while maintaining panel stability and preventing racking.
2Quantity of substance
If curtain wall panels are made lightweight to reduce material usage, then material efficiency improves, but the panels become more prone to movement and deflection
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable bracket provides dynamic compensation for the reduced stability of lightweight panels. By allowing vertical adjustment, the system can accommodate deflection and movement caused by the lightweight construction, maintaining panel stability without requiring additional heavy materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism allows preliminary compensation for expected deflection and movement. Installers can pre-adjust the bracket position to account for anticipated building movement, preventing racking and damage before it occurs, thereby maintaining stability in lightweight constructions.
3Strength
If the bracket is fixed relative to the backplate, then the structure is simple and strong, but vertical adjustment of mullions is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket assembly is segmented into two parts: the backplate that remains fixed to the substrate, and the bracket that can move vertically relative to the backplate. This segmentation allows the fixed backplate to maintain structural strength while the movable bracket provides vertical adjustability for mullion positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded adjustment mechanism introduces dynamic capability to the otherwise static bracket-backplate connection. The bracket can move vertically along the backplate while maintaining strong structural connection, providing both strength and adaptability.
4Productivity
If curtain wall panels are installed without adjustment capability, then installation is faster, but uneven load distribution and racking occur
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded adjustment mechanism provides post-installation adjustment capability that allows installers to compensate for uneven load distribution and building movement. This dynamic adjustment ensures reliable load distribution while maintaining fast installation through a simple adjustment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism provides feedback control for vertical positioning. Installers can observe panel behavior and building movement, then make corresponding adjustments to the bracket position to achieve proper load distribution, ensuring reliability while maintaining installation efficiency.
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 system allows for the vertical adjustment of curtain wall panels during and after installation, preventing twisting or 'racking' and ensuring even load distribution, thereby reducing the risk of damage to glazing panels.
Implementation Method 1
an adjustment mechanism that operatively couples the bracket to the backplate, wherein manually actuating the adjustment mechanism causes the bracket to move vertically relative to the backplate
Data Source
AI summary
A curtain wall window system for a building includes a horizontally-extending substrate forming part of the building, a curtain wall panel mountable to the substrate and including a mullion, and a curtain wall bracket assembly that operatively couples the curtain wall panel to the substrate. The curtain wall bracket assembly includes a backplate securable to the substrate, a bracket in sliding engagement with the backplate, and an adjustment mechanism that operatively couples the bracket to the backplate. Manually actuating the adjustment mechanism causes the bracket to move vertically relative to the backplate. The mullion is attachable to the bracket such that vertical movement of the bracket correspondingly moves the mullion.