Facade Cladding Hook-Connector Nesting for Invisible Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing facade cladding elements suffer from visible shadow effects due to hook and connector projections, are heavy, and prone to damage during installation, leading to scratches on the facade.

Innovation Solution

A facade cladding element design featuring a hook and connector that allows for invisible connection without projections, is lighter, and includes a play mechanism to prevent scratches, with additional profiles for seamless pattern continuation and corner coverage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a hook and connector design is used to connect facade cladding elements, then the elements can be attached to each other, but a forward projection is created at the coupling point causing a visible shadow effect

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The hook is inserted into a recess of the connector, and the panel of the adjacent facade cladding element is clamped between the hook and the connector. This nesting arrangement allows the connection components to be hidden within the profile structure, eliminating forward projections and shadow effects while maintaining secure connection stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Stability of the object's composition

If a traditional hook and connector design is used, then connection is achieved, but the facade cladding elements are heavy making installation difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidinstallation weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is divided into separate functional components: a hook at one end of the panel, a connector at the other end, and integrated support elements. This segmentation allows for optimized material usage in each component, reducing overall weight while maintaining connection stability through the distributed support structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If facade cladding elements are installed with traditional connectors, then connection is achieved, but damage to the paintwork occurs during installation causing visible scratches

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidpaintwork damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The hook and connector are designed with integrated support elements and a clamping mechanism that distributes installation forces evenly across the panel structure. This prevents concentration of stress at single points, thereby avoiding paintwork damage and visible scratches during the installation process while ensuring stable connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP4582650A1Facade cladding element, facade cladding system and method for installing a facade cladding

Publication Date: 2025.07.09 ALINEL BV

Figure 1~2B
Figure 3A~4B

AI summary

The present invention relates to a facade cladding element (1) comprising a panel, a connector (6) and a hook (4). Additionally, the facade cladding element can include one or more ribs (7) and supports. The invention also describes a facade cladding system for interconnecting adjacent facade cladding elements for creating a recurring pattern on a facade. Additionally, the facade cladding system can include facade cladding closure profiles and facade cladding corner profiles. The invention further describes a method for installing a facade cladding.