Curtain Wall Profile Assembly with Universal Mounting Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing curtain wall sun protection systems face inefficiencies when installed on the inside of glazing, requiring multiple fabric screens and non-standardized profile assemblies, leading to increased complexity, costs, and installation challenges due to limited space between glass surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A profile assembly for curtain walls that includes a window profile assembly with a support and clamp profile, and a screen profile assembly with mounting elements that can be easily attached and detached using click-connector units, allowing for compatibility with various window profiles and reducing the number of required parts, enabling easier installation and alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If sun protection is installed on the inside of the glazing, then installation is easier, but sun protection efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidsun protection efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention inverts the conventional installation approach by mounting the screen profile assembly on the exterior side of the window profile rather than the interior side. This allows the screen to be positioned outside the glass pane, achieving optimal sun blocking efficiency while maintaining ease of installation through the standardized mounting elements that attach to the window profile's exterior surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Area of stationary object

If multiple fabric sun protection systems are installed next to each other, then sun protection coverage is improved, but installation complexity increases due to limited space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesun protection coverage areaVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting element is designed with universal compatibility to accommodate various window profile types and dimensions. The adjustable mounting mechanism can adapt to different clamp profile configurations, allowing multiple screen assemblies to be installed adjacent to each other with consistent spacing and alignment, thereby simplifying the installation of extensive sun protection coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If different screen profile assemblies are used for different window profiles, then compatibility is improved, but device complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewindow profile compatibilityVSAvoidnumber of different profile types
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting element incorporates an universal attachment mechanism that can interface with various clamp profile types through standardized connection points. The mounting element's design includes adjustable clamping surfaces and multiple attachment configurations, allowing a single mounting element design to accommodate different window profile manufacturers and specifications, thereby reducing the need for multiple specialized screen profile assemblies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting element utilizes adjustable parameters such as clamping force, attachment position, and orientation angles to adapt to different window profile characteristics. By varying these parameters rather than changing the entire mounting element design, the system achieves compatibility across different window profiles while maintaining a standardized base design, thus reducing complexity and costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of manufacture

If standardized clamp profiles are used, then manufacturing costs decrease, but adaptability to different window profiles decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidwindow profile compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting element is designed with universal attachment features that can interface with various clamp profile types through standardized connection geometries. The mounting element includes adjustable components that can accommodate different clamp profile dimensions and configurations, allowing a single standardized mounting element design to work with multiple window profile types, thereby maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving broad compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4253681A1Profile assembly for a curtain wall, as well as a method for manufacturing a profile assembly
Publication Date: 2023.10.04 VERO DUCO NV
  • EP4253681A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4253681A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4253681A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention is in the field of screen assemblies for curtain walls. The invention is based on a profile assembly for a curtain wall comprising a window profile assembly for receiving a panel of the curtain wall and a screen profile assembly to receive a lateral side of a screen for covering the glazing.