Curtain Wall Drainage Vent for Pressure Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing curtain wall systems are limited in size due to restricted opportunities for pressure equalization through ventilation, primarily occurring only at the head and cill, which restricts the scalability of curtain walls.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of drainage vents with a fluid flow path and a valve system that allows for fluid and air exchange through the outer face of the curtain wall, featuring a spout and recess for water collection, and a ball valve for controlling airflow and preventing backflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ventilation openings are provided only at the head and cill of the curtain wall, then the structure remains simple and cost-effective, but the opportunity for pressure equalization is limited which restricts the possible size of curtain walls
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation system is segmented into multiple independent ventilation openings distributed throughout the curtain wall, including head ventilation openings, cill ventilation openings, and intermediate ventilation openings. This segmentation allows each opening to contribute independently to pressure equalization, enabling larger curtain wall sizes while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilation system transitions from a two-dimensional arrangement (only at head and cill) to a three-dimensional distribution by adding intermediate ventilation openings at various heights within the curtain wall. This dimensional expansion creates multiple pathways for air flow throughout the wall thickness, significantly improving pressure equalization capability and enabling scalable curtain wall designs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If drainage vents are added to enable pressure equalization throughout the curtain wall, then the curtain wall size can be scaled without limitations, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage vent system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides drainage for water, enables pressure equalization through ventilation, and can be integrated with the frame structure. By making the drainage vent system multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate components, thereby enabling scalable curtain wall sizes without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage vent is merged with the frame structure, where the drainage vent forms part of the frame unit assembly. This integration combines the drainage function with the structural frame, eliminating the need for separate ventilation components and reducing overall system complexity while enabling pressure equalization throughout the curtain wall for scalable designs.
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
Enables effective drainage and pressure equalization, allowing curtain walls to be scaled without limitations, while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a ball valve for controlling airflow and preventing backflow
Implementation Method 2
featuring a spout and recess for water collection
Data Source
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AI summary
A curtain wall for a building comprising: a frame anchored to the building and including a plurality of frame units; infill panels, which are supported by the frame units and at least partially define an outer face of the curtain wall; wherein the curtain wall comprises at least one drainage vent for venting fluid from inside the curtain wall to outside the curtain wall, the drainage vent comprising a fluid flow path, wherein an opening for the fluid flow path is provided in the outer face of the curtain wall.