Modular Curtain Wall Assembly with Interlocking Sealed Profiles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current curtain wall facade systems are complex, inflexible, and require numerous different elements for assembly, making them unsuitable for multiple applications and lacking in air, wind, and water insulation performance.

Innovation Solution

A modular facade assembly system with removable horizontal crosspieces and frame profiles that can be easily connected and expanded, featuring L-shaped sections for panel support and sealing, allowing for adjustable interlocking positions and enhanced transverse rigidity and insulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If traditional curtain wall facade systems are used, then structural stability is maintained, but the system becomes complex and requires many different elements for assembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly system complexityVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The horizontal crosspiece is divided into two separate profile sections that can be assembled together, allowing for modular construction while maintaining structural integrity. This segmentation enables easier handling and assembly of lighter individual components that combine to form the complete crosspiece structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The profile sections are designed with universal features including rabbets for panel accommodation, engagement segments for connection, and grooves for sealing elements. These multi-functional features allow the same profile design to serve multiple purposes: structural support, panel retention, and sealing integration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional fixed crosspieces are used, then structural rigidity is maintained, but the system lacks flexibility for different applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication flexibilityVSAvoidtransverse rigidity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The crosspiece assembly system transitions from fixed to dynamic configuration through removable connecting means. The profile sections can be connected or separated based on application requirements, allowing the system to adapt between different facade configurations while maintaining rigidity when connected

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

One profile section is inserted into the other through engagement segments, creating a nested assembly structure. This nesting allows the two sections to work together as a unified rigid structure when connected, while still permitting disassembly for different applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple different elements are used for assembly, then comprehensive coverage of applications is achieved, but the system becomes inflexible and difficult to standardize

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication coverageVSAvoidnumber of different elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The profile sections incorporate universal features including rabbets for panel accommodation, engagement segments for connection, and grooves for sealing elements. These multi-functional features allow the same profile design to serve multiple purposes: structural support, panel retention, and sealing integration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Productivity

If traditional assembly methods are used, then complete connection is achieved, but the assembly process is time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly speedVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The profile sections are pre-configured with engagement segments, grooves for sealing elements, and rabbets for panels before installation. This preliminary preparation of connection features accelerates the on-site assembly process by eliminating the need for field fabrication or complex alignment procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2228499B1System for the assembly of transoms and mullions of curtain wall type facade

Publication Date: 2015.07.29 SAPA AS

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AI summary

The system has detachable connection units (8) for connecting sash sections (2, 3) of a fixed horizontal crossbar (1) in a back-to-back manner. The connection units respectively include sealed interlocking units (11) to interlock the sections via connection pieces (12), where the pieces are respectively engaged in grooves of the sections. Each connection piece adopts a shape of a rigid section comprising two opposite branches engaged in the respective grooves. The interlocking units include a sealing joint longitudinally surrounding the branches of each piece.