Elastic Tensioning Mechanism for Building Envelope Membranes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building envelope tensioning systems require complex and costly installation processes, often necessitating pre-adjustment of the membrane in a workshop, leading to deformation and misadjustment during assembly, and lack the ability to easily adjust tension post-installation due to their rigid frame design, which complicates maintenance and increases safety risks for workers.
Innovation Solution
A building envelope portion with a mechanism allowing separate fixation of the frame to a structure, utilizing elastic tensioning mechanisms linked to fastening elements that distribute forces to minimize deformation and enable tension adjustment without disassembly, allowing for on-site assembly and easy tensioning of the textile membrane after frame attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the membrane is tensioned in the workshop before assembly, then the tension adjustment is possible during manufacturing, but the transport and lifting become complicated and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The building envelope portion is divided into separable components: the frame structure can be assembled and transported independently, and the membrane is attached afterward. This segmentation allows the frame to be handled as a separate unit during transport and lifting, avoiding the complications of moving a fully assembled structure with membrane already tensioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is prepared and assembled in advance before the membrane is attached. The tensioning mechanisms are pre-installed on the frame structure, allowing the membrane to be tensioned after assembly rather than before, thus avoiding transport complications while maintaining tension adjustment capability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the frame is assembled and attached to the building, then the structure is complete, but deformations cause misadjustment of membrane tension which is very difficult to adjust after assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning mechanisms incorporate movable elements that allow adjustment after assembly. The frame includes adjustable connection elements and tensioning devices that can be operated post-installation to compensate for deformations and re-adjust membrane tension without requiring disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioning system allows modification of physical parameters (tension force, position of connection elements) after the frame is assembled and attached to the building. This enables adaptation to deformations that occur during assembly and attachment by changing the tension parameters.
3Productivity
If the entire frame is fixed to the building in a single operation, then the installation is completed in one step, but specialized workers are required several meters high increasing safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The installation process is segmented into multiple steps: first the frame structure is assembled and attached to the building, then the membrane is attached and tensioned separately. This allows ground-based preparation and assembly of the frame before workers need to access elevated positions for membrane installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is assembled and secured to the building in advance before the membrane installation. This preliminary action allows the structural framework to be established at ground level or with minimal elevated work, reducing safety risks before workers need to operate at height for membrane attachment and tensioning.
4Ease of repair
If the membrane tension is adjusted after mounting, then maintenance is easier, but the rigid frame design makes adjustment very difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The frame incorporates dynamic adjustment elements that enable tension modification after mounting. These include movable connection points, adjustable fasteners, and tensioning mechanisms that can be operated from ground level or with minimal access, making maintenance easier without requiring complex disassembly procedures.
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
This solution reduces installation complexity and costs, minimizes membrane deformation, and allows for easy tension adjustment, facilitating safer and more efficient installation and maintenance of large envelope portions, particularly in high or hard-to-reach locations, while maintaining membrane integrity and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
a same section of said at least one first section is tensioned by several of said plurality of elastic tensioning mechanisms
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
This invention relates to a portion of building envelope (1), such as a portion of a facade or roof structure, intended for a permanent construction and comprising a textile cover sheet, a frame supporting the sheet comprising at least one first profile section (5) to hold at least one first end of the sheet, a plurality of fixings (4) for fixing the frame to the construction (6) and a plurality of elastic tensioning mechanisms (9). These mechanisms (9) are arranged to apply force to one said profile section (5), a first tensioning mechanism being connected to a first fixing and a second tensioning mechanism being connected to a second fixing. The invention also relates to a method for tensioning a corresponding cover sheet.