Double Return Panel System with Perimeter Extrusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing panel mounting systems are inefficient in installation, require excessive labor and materials, and often necessitate the use of screws, rivets, structural tape, or adhesives, which can compromise thermal expansion and aesthetic appearance.
Innovation Solution
A double return panel system utilizing a perimeter extrusion with a bending arm and serrated slot that allows panel bending and secure placement without fasteners or adhesives, along with a U-shaped base for thermal expansion management and overlapping flanges for structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional panel mounting systems use screws, rivets, structural tape, or adhesives, then panels can be securely attached to the facade, but installation labor and material costs increase, and aesthetic appearance and thermal expansion compatibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes traditional fastening elements (screws, rivets, adhesives) from the panel mounting system, replacing them with a friction-based retention mechanism where panels are held in place by the interaction between panel edges and extrusion channels without mechanical fasteners
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-aligning and self-retaining panel installation where the panel edges automatically engage with the extrusion channels and are retained through friction and geometric interlocking, eliminating the need for additional fastening operations
2Strength
If traditional panel mounting systems use multiple fasteners and adhesives, then panels can be securely fixed, but the aesthetic appearance and thermal expansion capability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts visible fastening elements from the system, achieving secure panel fixation through hidden friction-based retention within the extrusion channels, resulting in clean, uninterrupted panel surfaces without visible screws, rivets, or adhesive lines
3Strength
If traditional panel mounting systems use multiple components and fasteners, then panels can be attached, but installation time and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the mounting function into separate extrusion components that guide and retain panels independently, allowing panels to be installed individually through a simplified process of insertion and bending without complex multi-step fastening procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The panel edges self-retain within the extrusion channels through friction and geometric interlocking, eliminating the need for additional fastening operations and significantly reducing installation time and labor intensity
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
The system minimizes installation labor and materials, allows for efficient thermal movement, and enhances aesthetics by reducing reveal depth, while maintaining structural integrity and compatibility with various panel materials and orientations.
Implementation Method 1
an arm terminating in an end that is constructed to contact a panel and permit the bending of the same in two directions
Implementation Method 2
The slot may be formed by a wall having a serrated surface that permits positive gripping of a bent portion of the panel to fix the same in place
Implementation Method 3
Said base may take the form of a U-shaped member allowing spacing of adjacent perimeter extrusions and permitting thermal contraction and expansion of the panels in a predetermined direction
Data Source
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AI summary
A double return panel system utilizing a perimeter extrusion having an arm terminating in an end portion configured to contact and twice bend a panel. The panel fits into a slot formed adjacent the arm. The perimeter extrusion is held to a facade by a base member.