Façade Cladding Profile with Coextruded Shadow Gap Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing facade cladding profiles face issues with the detachment of UV-sensitive film layers at the shadow gap surface due to poor adhesive bonding, especially under extreme heat conditions, and the economic inefficiency of coloring the entire base profile to achieve a different color for the shadow gap surface.

Innovation Solution

A coextrusion layer is integrated with the base profile, forming a seamless transition and using a different colored plastic material to create the shadow gap surface, ensuring strong adhesion and efficient color application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a PVC film with acrylic coating is used for the shadow gap surface, then UV resistance is improved, but adhesive bonding deteriorates causing film detachment under heat

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUV resistanceVSAvoidadhesive bonding
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the acrylic coating from the shadow gap surface film, allowing the use of a different film configuration or material composition that does not require the acrylic coating, thereby eliminating the adhesion problem while maintaining UV resistance through alternative means

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite structure consisting of a base profile made of one material (e.g., PVC) and a shadow gap surface made of a different material or material composition (e.g., uncoated PVC film or differently formulated polymer), where the materials are bonded through direct adhesion without the interfering acrylic coating layer

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Shape

If the entire base profile is colored to achieve different shadow gap surface color, then color differentiation is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor differentiationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the base profile into functionally distinct parts: a standard-colored base profile and a separately applied shadow gap surface with different coloring. This allows color differentiation to be achieved only where needed (shadow gap area) rather than coloring the entire profile, reducing pigment usage and manufacturing cost

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies color differentiation locally only to the shadow gap surface area rather than the entire base profile. The shadow gap surface is colored differently through selective application of colored film or localized coloring processes, achieving the desired aesthetic effect while minimizing material costs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 durable, visually appealing, and weather-resistant facade cladding with improved adhesive bonding and cost-effective color differentiation between the visible and shadow gap surfaces, preventing film detachment and reducing heat transmission.

Implementation Method 1

the shadow gap surface is formed by a coextrusion layer integrally connected to the base profile

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCoextrusion: Extrusion

Implementation Method 2

the visible surface is formed by a plastic film fastened to the base profile

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Implementation Method 3

the PVC material, preferably in granular form, is thermally melted and pressed through a mold. The PVC cools slowly and retains its shape

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal melting: Melting

Data Source

PatentEP4183949B1Profile for façade covering
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 VINYLIT FASSADEN
  • EP4183949B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4183949B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP4183949B1 patent drawingFigure 1b

AI summary

The invention relates to a facade cladding profile (10) comprising a base profile (20) made of plastic, in particular of extruded plastic, a visible surface (12) and an adjoining shadow gap surface (13), as well as a fastening strip (15), in particular which adjoins the shadow gap surface (13), wherein the visible surface (12) is formed by a plastic film (19) attached to the base profile (20) and the shadow gap surface (13) is designed differently than the visible surface (12), wherein the shadow gap surface (13) is formed by a coextrusion layer (21) that is materially bonded to the base profile (20).