Facade Anchor Embossing Asymmetry for Wind Load Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing facade element fastening systems deform or break under higher wind loads when larger facade elements are used, due to increased wind pressure and suction, leading to instability and failure.

Innovation Solution

The anchor elements on the support profiles feature an embossing arrangement in the retaining web that is asymmetrical and angled, providing increased failure load resistance, allowing for the attachment of larger facade elements up to 2000 mm in length, with embossing depths between 20% and 80% of the material thickness and specific geometric configurations that enhance torque resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If larger facade elements are used to reduce installation time and improve aesthetics, then productivity and aesthetic quality are improved, but the anchor elements deform or break under higher wind loads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation timeVSAvoidanchor element stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The embossing is positioned asymmetrically within the anchor element's retaining web, with its outer edges oriented at acute angles (less than 10°, preferably less than 5°) to the outer edges of the retaining web. This asymmetric arrangement creates non-uniform material compression that positively influences the torque curve, significantly increasing the failure load under wind stress from 1500 N to over 3000 N.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The embossing is specifically positioned in the central region of the retaining web with controlled depth (20%-80% of material thickness) and specific geometric configuration. This localized modification of material properties in the critical stress zone enhances torque resistance and failure load without affecting the overall design or requiring additional materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Area of stationary object

If the area of facade elements is increased while maintaining existing design, then aesthetic quality is improved, but wind forces cause deformation and breaking of anchor elements and fastening elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefacade element areaVSAvoidanchor element strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The embossing modifies the physical parameters of the anchor element by creating localized material compression with specific depth (20%-80% of material thickness) and geometric configuration. This parameter change in the material structure increases the failure load from 1500 N to over 3000 N, enabling larger facade elements to be supported without increasing the overall design or material usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Area of stationary object

If conventional anchor elements are used with larger facade elements, then larger area is achieved, but the anchor elements and fastening elements break under wind pressure and suction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefacade element areaVSAvoidfastening system reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The asymmetric embossing arrangement with outer edges at acute angles to the retaining web edges creates a torque curve that significantly increases resistance to wind-induced rotational forces. This increases the failure load from 1500 N to over 3000 N, preventing breakage of anchor and fastening elements under wind pressure and suction on larger facade elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP2404011B1Use of device for attaching facade elements
Publication Date: 2013.03.06 CREATON AG
  • EP2404011B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2404011B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2404011B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for attaching façade elements using support profiles (12) comprising a tape-like center segment (13) on which anchor elements (18) for receiving the façade elements are provided symmetrically to the longitudinal axis (14) of the support profile (12), wherein the anchor elements (18) comprise an embossment (16), the embossment is provided at least in the area of the retaining bar (20), and the outer edge (25) of the embossment (16) extends in the retaining bar (20) not parallel to the outer edge (21) of the retaining bar (20).