Building Facade Bracing Frame with Spring Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Infill frames for building facades require additional securing measures like pinning or screwing to prevent frame leg bending and disconnection, especially when mitred frame legs are used.
Innovation Solution
The integration of holding receptacles on the base frame that engage with connecting elements and deflectable spring elements to secure the cover frame in place without additional fastening, allowing the spring elements to pivot back and lock the frame legs after installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional securing measures like pinning or screwing are used to fix frame legs to the base frame, then the frame legs are securely fixed and prevented from bending or disconnection, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring elements automatically secure the frame legs to the base frame through their own elastic deformation and recovery, without requiring external pinning or screwing operations. The system serves itself by using the spring elements' inherent mechanical properties to achieve both fixation and sealing functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the sealing function and the fixation function into a single integrated system. The spring elements simultaneously provide the seal between the cover frame and base frame, and also secure the frame legs in position, eliminating the need for separate securing components
2Shape
If frame legs are mitred for aesthetic appearance, then the visual appeal is improved, but the frame legs become more prone to bending and require additional securing measures
Solution Approach 1:
The spring elements are pre-loaded with elastic force that acts in opposition to any bending or disconnection forces applied to the mitred frame legs. This preliminary elastic force prevents the frame legs from bending before the bending can occur, allowing the mitred design to be used without compromising structural stability
3Ease of operation
If the cover frame is pushed completely onto the corner connector during assembly, then the connection is secure, but the frame legs may bend under seal pressure before locking is achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The spring elements are pre-positioned on the base frame or cover frame before assembly, ready to engage with the connecting elements as the cover frame is pushed onto the corner connector. This preliminary positioning ensures that the spring elements are already in place to prevent bending and provide locking action during the assembly process
Solution Approach 2:
The spring elements provide beforehand cushioning by being pre-loaded with elastic force that absorbs and compensates for the bending forces applied to the frame legs during assembly and seal installation, preventing permanent deformation before it occurs
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 eliminates the need for additional securing measures, preventing frame leg bending and disconnection, while ensuring the frame legs are securely fixed to the base frame.
Implementation Method 1
deflectable spring elements are provided on the base frame or on the cover frame, which keep the connection elements in their position reaching behind the holding receptacle
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The frame has a bracing element (3) held between a base frame (1) and a covering frame (2) that is formed of frame brackets. The brackets are connected with each other by an edge connector. A holding retainer (6) is provided at the base frame. A connection element (7) of the covering frame is engaged with the holding retainer by displacement of the retainer directed towards an inner side of the frame. A deflectable spring element (9) made of plastic is provided at the base frame or at the covering frame and holds the connection element in the engaged position.