Dual-Leg Cladding Support for Spherical Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cladding systems for buildings, particularly those with spherically shaped surfaces, face challenges in withstanding high wind pressures and maintaining temperature constancy, often leading to detachment and poor insulation performance during extreme weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
A cladding system comprising a support element with two legs, where the second leg is tilted at an angle to adapt to spherical surfaces, and a cover element with a U-shaped cross-section projection for secure fastening, allowing for a simple, strong, and wind-resistant connection, while preventing water penetration and maintaining insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional cladding systems are used on spherically shaped surfaces, then the cladding can be installed on curved surfaces, but the cladding detaches under high wind pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The support element is divided into two separate legs: a first leg that provides fastening to the building structure and a second leg that supports the cover element. This segmentation allows each leg to be optimized for its specific function, with the first leg designed for secure attachment and the second leg designed to rest the cover element, thereby maintaining reliability under wind pressure while adapting to spherical surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The support element transitions from a conventional planar configuration to a three-dimensional angular structure with two legs positioned at angles to each other. The first leg extends orthogonally from the spherical surface while the second leg extends at an angle, creating a spatial configuration that provides both secure fastening and stable support for the cover element on curved surfaces.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional fastening elements are used, then the cladding can be attached to the building, but the fastening elements cannot adequately absorb loading forces from wind
Solution Approach 1:
The support element merges the fastening function and the support function into a single integrated component. The first leg performs the fastening function by attaching to the building structure, while the second leg performs the support function by resting the cover element. This merging allows the fastening element to adequately absorb loading forces while maintaining simplicity in design and manufacture.
3Reliability
If cladding systems are designed for high wind resistance, then the cladding remains secure under extreme weather, but the installation becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The cladding system is segmented into simple, modular components: support elements with two legs and cover elements. Each support element consists of a first leg for fastening and a second leg for support, creating a simple L-shaped or angular structure. This segmentation maintains device simplicity while achieving high wind resistance through the optimized geometric configuration of the legs.
Solution Approach 2:
The support element is designed with angular geometry that adapts to spherical surfaces. The two legs are positioned at specific angles to each other, with the first leg extending orthogonally from the spherical surface and the second leg extending at an angle to support the cover element. This angular configuration provides mechanical advantage for withstanding wind forces while maintaining simplicity suitable for retrofitting existing buildings.
4Ease of operation
If the second leg of the support element lies flat against the building surface, then installation is simple, but the cladding cannot adapt to spherical surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The second leg of the support element is positioned in a different spatial dimension, extending at an angle to the first leg rather than lying flat against the building surface. This angular configuration in three-dimensional space allows the support element to adapt to the curvature of spherical surfaces while maintaining simple installation procedures. The angled second leg provides the necessary support for the cover element on curved surfaces.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
The system has at least one supporting element for attachment to the building structure (11) with at least one planar covering element that can be fixed to the supporting element in the manner of a tensioned panel. The supporting element is formed by two legs (15, 16) in the form of bridges, whereby the first leg is attached to the flat region so as to be orthogonal to it. Each second leg is orthogonal to its corresponding first leg and is used to attach a cover element.