Curtain Wall Clamping Structure for Durable Panel Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Curtain wall construction is labor-intensive and adds extra costs due to the transportation and installation of gridwork elements and glazing panels, and provides marginal sealing protection against air, dust, and water infiltration, with elastomeric gaskets degrading from UV exposure.
Innovation Solution
A curtain wall construction system with interconnected beams, compressible sealing elements, and a clamping mechanism that forms a clamping arrangement to provide long-lasting sealing protection, using T-shaped clamping members and spaced-web support members for efficient panel installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional curtain wall construction with manual sealant application is used, then the construction process is simple, but the sealing protection is marginal and degrades over time due to UV exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sealing function from the gridwork-element interface and relocates it to the panel-edge interface. The sealing element is separated from the structural gridwork and attached instead to the panel edges, allowing the sealing function to be independent of the structural support system. This extraction enables the use of more durable sealing materials at the panel edges where they are protected from direct UV exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a clamping element as an intermediary between the gridwork and the panel. This clamping element provides mechanical compression that ensures continuous contact between the sealing element and the panel edge, maintaining sealing effectiveness over time. The intermediary clamping mechanism allows the sealing system to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction while maintaining reliable sealing.
2Productivity
If curtain wall gridwork and glazing panels are transported and installed separately, then the construction process follows traditional methods, but the construction time and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the gridwork support structure and the glazing panel assembly into a single integrated construction process. The panel is attached to the gridwork element in one operation, with the sealing element and clamping element installed simultaneously during the same construction phase. This combining eliminates the need for separate transportation and installation steps for gridwork and panels, significantly reducing construction time and labor requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action by pre-attaching the sealing element to the panel edges before final installation. The sealing element is positioned and secured in advance, so that when the panel is attached to the gridwork, the sealing function is immediately activated. This preliminary preparation of sealing components streamlines the overall construction process and reduces on-site assembly time.
3Reliability
If elastomeric gaskets are used for sealing, then the sealing provides initial protection, but the gasket material degrades due to UV radiation causing shrinkage and cracking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial dimension of sealant application from linear (along the gridwork-element interface) to surface (at the panel edge). By positioning the sealing element at the panel edge rather than at the gridwork interface, the sealing system moves to a different dimensional location that is less exposed to direct UV radiation. This dimensional change in sealing location fundamentally reduces UV exposure and extends sealant life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by using a compressible sealing element that is pre-positioned at the panel edge. The clamping element applies continuous compression force to the sealing element, cushioning it against environmental degradation. This pre-compression ensures the sealing element maintains intimate contact with the panel edge, preventing water and air infiltration even as the sealant undergoes minor environmental aging.
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
Reduces construction time and ensures long-lasting sealing protection against dust and water infiltration, while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing all-glass appearance.
Implementation Method 1
one or more elongated and compressible sealing elements attached to at least one of the curtain wall supporting beams
Implementation Method 2
a linearly displaceable clamping element that is clampable against the introduced set of panels to form a clamping arrangement which provides sealing protection
Data Source
AI summary
A curtain wall construction system comprises a plurality of interconnected curtain wall supporting beams; one or more elongated and compressible sealing elements attached to at least one of the curtain wall supporting beams, wherein the curtain wall construction system is configured with a dedicated interspace within which a corresponding set of one or more rigid and impermeable panels is introducible. The curtain wall construction system further comprising a linearly displaceable clamping element that is clampable against the introduced set of panels to form a clamping arrangement which provides sealing protection in conjunction with the one or more sealing elements.