Facade Cladding Instant Opening Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing facade cladding systems lack emergency evacuation safety features while maintaining anti-theft security, are complex and costly to maintain, and often restrict access due to mechanical limitations and weight concerns, especially in fire scenarios.

Innovation Solution

An instant opening mechanism using a thermoplastic guide with a claw and electromagnet system that magnetically secures and releases facade claddings, allowing for rapid evacuation without compromising anti-theft security, featuring a high-strength claw and low-amperage electromagnet for easy operation and maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a direct joint between electromagnet and closing element is used, then magnetic fastening is achieved, but the force required for leverage increases and maintenance becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic fastening strengthVSAvoidmaintenance complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into separate functional modules: an electromagnet module mounted on the facade and a closing element module with anchoring means. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each module, simplifying maintenance and replacement without affecting the entire system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A guide structure acts as an intermediary between the electromagnet and the closing element. The guide channels the magnetic force and provides a controlled path for the closing element, reducing the leverage force required while maintaining fastening strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If spring-based anchoring systems are used, then holding capability is improved, but maintenance frequency increases due to breakage susceptibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholding capabilityVSAvoidmaintenance frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces spring-based mechanical anchoring with a magnetic anchoring system. The electromagnet provides the holding force, eliminating the need for springs that are susceptible to fatigue and breakage, thereby reducing maintenance frequency while maintaining holding capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the fundamental parameter of anchoring from mechanical elasticity (springs) to electromagnetic force. This parameter change eliminates the wear and fatigue issues associated with mechanical springs while providing equivalent or superior holding capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If high-power electromagnets are used for direct attachment, then fastening strength is achieved, but the weight of the closing element must increase proportionally

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening strengthVSAvoidclosing element weight
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The guide structure serves as a mechanical intermediary that amplifies and directs the magnetic force. This allows the use of lower-power electromagnets with lighter closing elements, as the guide provides mechanical advantage and force directionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from direct linear force application to a multi-dimensional force system where the guide provides both mechanical support and force direction. This dimensional change allows more efficient force transmission with reduced weight requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Ease of operation

If all anchoring points along the profile are unlocked, then accessibility for maintenance is improved, but safety against intruders is diminished

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance accessibilityVSAvoidanti-theft safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The anchoring system is segmented into multiple independent anchoring points along the profile. Each point can be individually unlocked and accessed for maintenance, while the remaining points maintain security. This segmentation allows selective access without compromising overall safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables rapid and reversible access in emergencies while maintaining anti-theft security, adaptable to various facade types, and simplifies maintenance with a detachable and recyclable design.

Implementation Method 1

an instant opening mechanism using a thermoplastic guide with a claw and electromagnet system that magnetically secures and releases facade claddings

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

An instant opening mechanism using a thermoplastic guide with a claw and electromagnet system that magnetically secures and releases facade claddings

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field control: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentEP2770141B1Instant opening mechanism of facade claddings
Publication Date: 2018.08.22 SOPENA METALES
  • EP2770141B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2770141B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2770141B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Instant opening mechanism (100) of facade claddings that is configured as a safety element in case of emergency to allow rapid evacuation, while at the same time the preceptive safety against intruders is not sacrificed without altering the aesthetic set of the same and comprising essentially an electromagnet (102), that moves horizontally along the axis perpendicular to the axis defined by the facade, releasing a latch (103) and this a guiding claw (104), such that the complete removal of the protection through a guide (101).