Façade Support Structure Using Encapsulated Resilient Body
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bolt-on C-channel façade systems for securing façade panels to concrete structures are prone to bolt failure, 'concrete cancer,' and require accurate measurements, which increases installation time and wall thickness, reducing floor space.
Innovation Solution
A support structure assembly featuring a C-shaped channel with a resilient body encapsulated within, allowing for snap-engagement and secure locking of façade panels without exposed bolts, using a locking mechanism and actuator for quick installation and disassembly, and adaptable to various panel thicknesses and materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bolt-on C-channels are used to secure façade panels to concrete structures, then the panels can be attached to the wall, but the bolts are exposed to elements causing failure and concrete cancer
Solution Approach 1:
The C-channel is nested within the wall cavity space between the inner and outer wall panels, with the resilient body positioned inside the channel. This nesting arrangement protects the fastening mechanism from external environmental exposure while maintaining its structural function, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and exposure to harmful factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient body acts as an intermediary element between the C-channel and the concrete structure. It provides a protective interface that prevents direct contact between bolts and concrete, eliminating the concrete cancer issue while maintaining secure attachment. The resilient body mediates the connection between the façade panel support system and the concrete wall.
2Measurement precision
If bolts are used to penetrate concrete structure to secure C-channels, then the C-channels can be positioned accurately, but concrete cancer and bolt failure occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical bolt-penetration system with a resilient body-based attachment system. The resilient body deforms to engage with the concrete structure without requiring bolt penetration, thereby maintaining positioning accuracy while eliminating the reliability issues associated with bolt-concrete interfaces.
3Strength
If C-channels are bolted onto a wall, then the façade panels can be secured, but wall thickness increases reducing floor space
Solution Approach 1:
The C-channel and resilient body assembly is nested within the existing wall cavity thickness, utilizing the space between the inner and outer wall panels. This nesting approach secures the façade panels without adding external protrusions or increasing overall wall thickness, thereby preserving floor space while maintaining securing capability.
4Measurement precision
If accurate measurements are required to space C-channels at regular intervals, then precise positioning is achieved, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The C-channels are pre-positioned within the wall cavity at predetermined intervals during the wall construction phase, before the façade panels are installed. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming measurement and positioning operations during later installation stages, while maintaining the required spacing accuracy through pre-planned layout.
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 solution provides a secure, efficient, and time-saving method for installing façade panels, preventing bolt failure and concrete cancer, while maintaining structural integrity and minimizing wall thickness, and can be used as formwork for poured concrete.
Implementation Method 1
a C-shaped channel having two spaced apart channel walls connected via a transverse channel base, the channel walls and channel base encapsulating a resilient body
Data Source
AI summary
In a first aspect there is disclosed a support structure assembly (10). The support structure assembly includes a first wall panel (12) operatively associated with an opposing, spaced apart second wall panel. The first wall panel (12) including a channel (14) having two spaced apart channel walls (16) connected via a transverse channel base (18). The channel (14) encloses a resilient body (20).