Exterior Cladding Panel Connectors for Adjustable Reveal Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exterior cladding panels lack the ability to provide adjustable spacing configurations between connected panels, limiting aesthetic customization options.
Innovation Solution
Exterior cladding panels with attachment structures featuring ribs and grooves that allow for adjustable spacing through various mating configurations, enabling different visual impressions by varying the connection methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed attachment structure is used to connect cladding panels, then the connection is simple and reliable, but the spacing between panels cannot be adjusted, limiting aesthetic customization options
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment structure is segmented into multiple discrete components: a first attachment structure with a first groove and a second groove, and a second attachment structure with a first rib and a second rib. This segmentation allows different rib-groove pairings to create various spacing configurations while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment structure incorporates multiple possible connection configurations rather than a single fixed arrangement. The first rib can mate with either the first groove or the second groove, and similarly for the second rib, enabling dynamic adjustment of panel spacing to achieve different aesthetic effects.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple spacing configurations are enabled through different rib-groove mating options, then aesthetic flexibility is improved, but the attachment structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment structures are divided into distinct grooves and ribs that can be independently positioned and mated. This segmentation provides clear, discrete options for achieving different spacing configurations while maintaining straightforward installation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables parameter changes in panel spacing by providing multiple groove positions (first groove, second groove) and multiple rib positions (first rib, second rib). Installers can select different rib-groove pairings to achieve desired spacing parameters while following simple installation procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
An example exterior cladding panel includes a reveal surface. The reveal surface comprises a first end portion and a second end portion. A first end connector is adjacent the first end portion of the reveal surface. A second end connector is adjacent the second end portion of the reveal surface. The first end connector is configured to be connected to a second end panel connector of a first panel of an adjoining first course to define a first space between the reveal surface and a reveal surface of the first panel. The second end connector is configured to be connected to a first end panel connector of a second panel of an adjoining second course to define a second space between the reveal surface and a reveal surface of the second panel. The first space and/or the second space are adjustable.