3D-Curved Facade Connecting Body for Complex Building Geometries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard post-transom facade systems are limited in their ability to absorb deformations from orthogonal, planar planes and cannot effectively realize complex building geometries due to restricted angular ranges, making them inadequate for complex architectural designs.
Innovation Solution
A connecting element with a connecting body manufactured using additive or generative manufacturing processes for metals, featuring multiple three-dimensionally curved areas, which adapts to changing geometries and loads by optimizing topology, material distribution, and load absorption, allowing for complex facade geometries and expanded angular ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standard post-transom facade systems are used, then manufacturing simplicity and ease of assembly are maintained, but the ability to realize complex building geometries and absorb deformations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from fixed-geometry standard connecting elements to parametrically designed connecting bodies that can adapt to various building geometries. The additive manufacturing process enables continuous variation of geometric parameters (curvature radii, angles, thicknesses) to match specific architectural requirements, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves from two-dimensional planar connections to three-dimensionally curved surfaces and volumes. The connecting bodies feature complex 3D geometries with curved areas that can accommodate deformations in multiple directions and angles, enabling complex building geometries that cannot be achieved with standard planar connecting elements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If connecting elements are designed for specific angular ranges, then manufacturing precision and structural stability are maintained, but adaptability to changing geometries is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes to create connecting bodies with variable geometric parameters that can adapt to different angular ranges. Instead of designing for fixed angles, the parametric design allows continuous adjustment of angles and curvatures to match specific building geometries while maintaining manufacturing precision through digital modeling and additive manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by creating connecting bodies that can accommodate dynamic variations in geometry and load conditions. The three-dimensionally curved areas are designed to flex and adapt to deformations, allowing the connecting elements to respond to changing geometries and loads rather than being constrained to fixed angular ranges.
3Ease of manufacture
If additive manufacturing is used for connecting bodies, then geometric optimization and material efficiency are improved, but manufacturing complexity and process sophistication increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical manufacturing methods (subtractive machining, casting, forming) with additive manufacturing. This substitution enables topology optimization that would be impossible or extremely difficult with conventional methods, as additive manufacturing can directly create complex internal structures and curved surfaces without tooling or multiple assembly steps, despite the increased digital process complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a connection element (1) for a post-and-beam or rod construction of a facade system, wherein the connection element (1) has a connection part (2) which is manufactured by means of an additive manufacturing process for metals and which is formed by a plurality of different three-dimensionally curved regions (3).