Expressed Joint Cladding with Integrated Battens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing expressed joint panelized cladding systems for residential buildings are cost-prohibitive and complex due to their commercial design, requiring excessive structural components and varied fixing and sealing elements, making them unattractive for residential construction.
Innovation Solution
A panelized cladding system using low-density nailable fibre cement battens and panels with integrally formed finish-ready surfaces, where the battens provide a simple strip form with a flat frame structure and a panel supporting surface, allowing direct attachment of panels to form gaps and recessed joints, reducing the need for complex framing and separate sealing components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If commercial expressed joint facade systems are used for residential buildings, then the architectural finish and durability are improved, but the cost and structural complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex metal support framing structure from the commercial facade system, retaining only the essential function of supporting the fibre cement panels. This reduces the number of components from numerous framing elements to a simplified direct attachment system, while maintaining the durability of the fibre cement material itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal facade system that works for both commercial and residential applications by using the same fibre cement panels and attachment method. The system adapts to different building types without requiring specialized components, making it cost-effective for residential use while maintaining architectural quality.
2Shape
If commercial expressed joint facade systems are used for residential buildings, then the architectural finish is improved, but the cost becomes prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs standard, readily available fibre cement panels that can be mass-produced at low cost, replacing the need for expensive custom-made commercial facade components. The simplicity of the attachment system further reduces installation costs, making the architectural finish affordable for residential applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the density parameter of the fibre cement from high density (commercial) to low density (residential), reducing material cost while maintaining sufficient structural performance for residential buildings. This parameter adjustment makes the system economically viable without sacrificing the expressed joint architectural finish.
3Device complexity
If commercial expressed joint facade systems are simplified for residential use, then the cost and complexity are reduced, but the component variety and installation complexity remain high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single type of fibre cement batten for all framing needs - corners, windows, doors, and intermediate sections - eliminating the need for specialized corner brackets, window fixtures, and door opening components. This universal component approach simplifies both the bill of materials and the installation process, making it easy for builders to work with.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple separate components (framing members, sealing strips, corner brackets) into a single integrated fibre cement batten system. The battens are installed first to create the framework, and then the fibre cement panels are attached directly to them, consolidating what would otherwise require numerous separate installation steps into a streamlined two-step process.
Data Source
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AI summary
A panelized cladding system including a plurality of battens (2) securable to a building structure, each batten having a structure engaging surface and an integrally formed finish ready panel supporting surface (8). Fibre cement cladding panels (4) are secured to or through the battens such that the finish ready panel supporting surface of each batten forms an external recessed surface of an expressed joint formed thereon. Preferably the panels are sealed and secured to the battens using finishing nails to minimise the need for patching. Optional backing strips (10) are provided for forming recessed joints along regions where there are no battens.