Adjustable Curtain Wall Shelf Support System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building facade systems are cumbersome, costly, and difficult to install, as they require unsightly and obtrusive anchors, shimming, and multiple layers of insulation and sealants, which increase material and labor costs and obstruct views and light.
Innovation Solution
A horizontally supported and post-anchored curtain wall facade system that is easily adjustable horizontally and vertically, eliminating the need for shims and spacers, allowing panels to be positioned close to the terminal edges of floor slabs, with a framework that includes threaded posts and serrated connections for secure adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If prior building facade framework is secured to floor slabs using vertical load carrying members with large anchors, then structural stability is achieved, but the anchors are unsightly and obtrusive, blocking views and reducing light to the interior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the large obtrusive anchors from the facade system. Instead of using traditional vertical members anchored from top to bottom of slabs, the invention uses a horizontal shelf member supported directly on the slab surface, eliminating the need for penetrating anchors that block light and views.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a vertical anchoring approach to a horizontal support approach. The shelf member is supported horizontally on the slab surface rather than vertically penetrating through the slab, changing the dimensional orientation of the support structure to avoid obstructing interior light and views.
2Strength
If prior building facade framework uses embedded anchors located well inwards of the facade, then structural anchorage is achieved, but the anchors conflict with the native placement of steel reinforcing system and concrete slabs, requiring costly modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates the shelf member support directly into the concrete slab construction process. The shelf member is placed and supported on the slab surface before the concrete is poured, allowing the slab itself to form the support structure without requiring separate embedded anchors or costly modifications to the reinforcing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the shelf member support function with the concrete slab structure. Instead of using separate embedded anchors, the slab and shelf member become an integrated structural system, eliminating conflicts with reinforcing steel and reducing installation costs.
3Strength
If prior curtain wall system designs with vertical load carrying members are used, then structural support is achieved, but separate installations of fireproofing insulation, reinforcing, and smoke sealant are required, increasing material and labor costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the shelf member and panel assembly. The shelf member provides structural support while the panel itself serves as the fireproofing and smoke sealant barrier, eliminating the need for separate fireproofing insulation, reinforcing, and smoke sealant installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel in the patent serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, fireproofing, and smoke sealing. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized components for each function, reducing overall system complexity and cost.
4Manufacturing precision
If prior building facade framework requires shimming of anchor brackets to the structure, then proper alignment is achieved, but expensive and labor intensive shim placements are necessary and the system is not readily adjustable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides for preliminary adjustment of the shelf member position and orientation before the concrete slab is poured. This preliminary positioning ensures proper alignment without requiring subsequent shimming operations, as the shelf member can be adjusted to compensate for construction tolerances before being permanently fixed by the concrete.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the shelf member position adjustable rather than fixed. The shelf member can be horizontally and vertically adjusted relative to the slab to compensate for construction tolerances, providing dynamic adaptability that eliminates the need for rigid shimming operations.
5Strength
If prior building facade framework is secured to floor slabs, then structural attachment is achieved, but the framework is not readily adjustable to compensate for construction tolerances and building movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the shelf member position adjustable rather than fixed. The shelf member can be horizontally and vertically adjusted relative to the slab to compensate for construction tolerances and building movements, providing dynamic adaptability while maintaining secure structural attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows for changes in the positional parameters of the shelf member. The horizontal and vertical positions can be modified to accommodate construction tolerances and building movements, providing adaptability without compromising the structural attachment strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A building facade system includes framework having shelf members secured to the floor slabs. The top terminal ends of vertical mullions are fastened to the shelf members, thereby hanging the mullions therefrom. Horizontal support members fastened to the mullions support infill panels and are coupled to shelf members which are on the below floor slab. Intermediate support members fastened to the mullions support slab edge cover panels. Posts are fastened to the shelf members and are secured to the floor slabs within troughs formed with embedded channels. The posts are horizontally and vertically adjustably fastenable to the shelf members. The shelf members are thereby also horizontally and vertically adjustable relative to the floor slabs. Terminal edges of the floor slabs can project into mullion cutouts.