Curtain Wall Panel Support with Integrated Appendage Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing curtain wall systems are complex and expensive due to the requirement of multiple parts for structural support and lack of means to secure exterior appendages like decorative cap members, sunshades, or ornaments.
Innovation Solution
A curtain wall system with a frame structure and supporting chair members that extend laterally to receive wall panels in a cantilevered configuration, featuring an appendage connector and distal chair connector with a resilient member for attaching exterior appendages like cap members, sunshades, or ornaments directly to the chair members, eliminating the need for additional connection elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple parts are used to structurally hold the glass panel and cap member, then the structural support and sealing are reliable, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cap member and the chair member into a single integrated component. The cap member includes an integrated connector that directly engages with the chair member, eliminating the need for separate connection elements. This merging reduces the total number of parts while maintaining structural reliability through the integrated design that provides both support and connection functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated cap member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the glass panel, acts as a connection element to the chair member, and offers sealing functionality. The connector portion of the cap member is designed to perform both mechanical attachment and sealing roles, reducing the need for dedicated separate components.
2Reliability
If multiple connection elements are used to attach exterior appendages, then the attachment reliability is high, but the ease of manufacture and assembly decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector portion of the cap member is integrated directly into the cap member structure, combining the attachment function with the sealing function. This eliminates the need for separate connection elements and fasteners, simplifying both manufacturing and assembly processes while maintaining reliable attachment through the integrated connector design.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated connector is designed to self-align and self-attach to the chair member through a straightforward engagement mechanism. The connector portion automatically positions and secures the cap member to the chair member without requiring additional fasteners or complex assembly steps, making the installation process simpler while ensuring reliable attachment.
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
Simplifies the manufacturing and assembly process by reducing the number of parts required and allows for secure attachment of exterior features without additional fasteners, enhancing structural support and aesthetic appeal while reducing thermal exchanges.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member extending between the appendage connector of the chair member and the distal chair connector of the exterior appendage member when the appendage connector engages the distal chair connector to urge the appendage connector into engagement with the distal chair connector
Data Source
AI summary
A curtain wall system for a building structure, comprising: a frame structure with a plurality of wall panels secured thereto to define an outer building structure wall; a plurality of supporting chair members extending laterally away from a corresponding frame member of the frame structure for receiving a corresponding wall panel, each chair member being sufficiently rigid for supporting the corresponding wall panel in a cantilevered configuration relative to the corresponding frame member, each supporting chair member having an appendage connector located at a distal side end thereof; and an exterior appendage member having a distal chair connector for engaging the appendage connector of at least one supporting chair member to attach the appendage member to the at least one supporting chair member such that the exterior appendage member extends away from the at least one supporting chair member and towards the exterior of the building structure.