Facade Corner Element for Waterproof Sill Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing facade systems face challenges in securely and easily fastening window sills to the facade without penetrating the insulation layer, leading to potential water intrusion and difficulty in sill replacement.
Innovation Solution
A corner element with three angled plates that can be welded or glued, allowing direct plaster application for secure and waterproof fastening of the sill, along with a U-shaped channel and optional perforated grids and flaps for enhanced stability and water management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the window sill is mounted on a layer of plaster directly applied on the insulation layer, then the mounting process is simple, but the insulation layer is penetrated and water intrusion risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a corner element with a channel as an intermediary component between the window sill and the insulation layer. This channel structure allows the sill to be mounted without directly penetrating the insulation layer, thus maintaining waterproofing while enabling simple installation through the channel's guiding and supporting functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The corner element is divided into functional segments: a channel for receiving the sill, plates for plaster attachment, and a protruding portion for insulation layer engagement. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function - the channel provides mounting guidance, the plates enable plaster fastening, and the protruding portion protects the insulation layer, collectively solving the contradiction between simple mounting and waterproofing.
2Strength
If screws are used to fasten the sill to the window frame, then the fastening is secure, but the process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical screw fastening system with a plaster-based chemical bonding system applied to the plates of the corner element. This substitution eliminates the need for drilling and screwing operations, significantly reducing mounting time and complexity while maintaining secure fastening through the adhesive strength of the plaster.
Solution Approach 2:
The corner element's plates are designed to be self-adhering to the facade through plaster application. The plates provide a ready-made surface for plaster attachment, allowing the sill to fasten itself to the facade without requiring additional fastening mechanisms or complex assembly steps, thus improving productivity while ensuring secure mounting.
3Strength
If the sill is directly plastered into the corner element channels, then the fastening is firm, but the sill replacement becomes difficult and the facade is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fastening function into two distinct parts: the channel structure provides mechanical guidance and positioning, while separate plates attached to the corner element provide the plaster bonding surface. This segmentation allows the sill to be firmly fastened through the plates without being permanently embedded in the channel, enabling easy removal and replacement while maintaining facade integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The plates serve as an intermediary between the sill and the plaster layer. They provide a dedicated bonding surface that facilitates firm fastening during installation, but can be cleanly removed along with the plaster, allowing the sill to be replaced without damaging the underlying corner element channel structure or the facade.
4Ease of manufacture
If corner elements are made with wood, then they are easy to work with, but they are responsive to humidity and temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials for the corner element construction, combining different materials (such as plastic and foam as mentioned in the embodiments) that offer superior dimensional stability compared to wood. These composite materials are resistant to humidity and temperature variations, ensuring the corner element maintains its structural integrity and geometric precision in varying environmental conditions, while still being manufacturable through modern fabrication processes.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a facade system (1) comprising a sill (2) and two corner elements (3, 4), wherein each corner element (3, 4) is arranged for supporting end portions of the sill (2) as it comprises a channel (5) having a bottom (6), a first and a second parallel sidewalls (7, 8), and being open on at least two adjoining sides of the corner element (3, 4). The corner element (3, 4) comprises three plates (9, 10, 11). The first plate (9) extends in a plane arranged under an angle in relation to a plane being perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the channel (5) and at a first end of the channel (5), which is an open end of the channel (5). The second plate (10) extends parallel to the first sidewall (7) and in extension of the first sidewall (7). The third plate (11) extends perpendicular to the second sidewall (8) and at the free end of the second sidewall (8). The first plate (9) is adjoined to the second and third plates (10, 11). Also, the invention relates to a corner element for a facade system as described above.