Deformable Cross-Member Wall Cladding System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing construction systems for wall cladding, such as curtain walls and ventilated façades, face challenges in practical replacement of cladding pieces without requiring the removal of associated cross-pieces, which necessitates the removal of all pieces in a row, and often rely on screws or similar hardware for installation and assembly.
Innovation Solution
A construction system featuring elongated cross-members made of elastically-deformable material with bends that can be secured to uprights with anchor means, allowing for secure attachment without screws, enabling pre-assembly, transportation, and easy replacement or reconfiguration of cladding pieces without affecting other pieces, and allowing for flexible arrangement of cross-members and cladding pieces in various patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If cross-pieces extend unbroken between multiple pairs of uprights to form a continuous mesh structure, then structural stability is improved, but replacement of cladding pieces becomes impractical as it requires removal of all pieces in the same row
Solution Approach 1:
The cross-pieces are segmented into modular sections that can be independently removed and reinstalled. Each cross-piece consists of multiple segments that can be detached from uprights and repositioned, allowing individual cladding piece replacement without removing entire rows of cladding.
2Strength
If screws or similar hardware are used to attach cross-pieces to uprights, then connection strength is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical screw connection system is replaced with a friction-based friction-fit system. The cross-pieces have engagement features that fit into corresponding features on uprights, creating a secure connection through friction and geometric interlocking without requiring screws or other fastening hardware.
3Strength
If cross-pieces are made rigid to maintain structural integrity, then load-bearing capacity is improved, but flexibility for reconfiguration and adaptation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cross-piece system transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic reconfigurable system. Cross-pieces can be detached, repositioned, and reattached to different uprights, allowing the structure to be adapted and reconfigured while maintaining load-bearing capacity through the friction-fit connection system.
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
Facilitates simple installation and maintenance by allowing single-piece replacement, flexible arrangement of cross-members and cladding pieces, and reduces installation costs by eliminating the need for screws, while enabling pre-assembly and transportation of structures.
Implementation Method 1
cross-members made of an elastically-deformable material with at least two bends... terminals that are filiform or shaped to generate elastic force... secured by restoring force
Implementation Method 2
first requiring that said terminal, said upright or both the terminal and the upright be elastically deformed such that said bends are pressed tightly against said entry parts by elastic reaction
Data Source
AI summary
A construction system (1) for wall cladding having uprights (2) and cross-members (3) to be held between two uprights not aligned vertically, in which the cross-members (3) have two opposing terminals (33) of a deformable material with two bends. The uprights (2) have an anchor (22) where terminals (33) of the cross-members can be attached, with the anchor, for this purpose, having, for each terminal (33), at least two entry parts (A, B) arranged spatially to maintain the relationship with the two bends (a, b) of the terminal, with each bend insertable into one of the entry parts, first requiring elastically deforming one terminal (33) or the upright such that the bends are pressed against the entry parts. The system can be completed with a series of cladding pieces (10) prepared to be suspended from one or more cross-members (3) at the same time.