Facade element and lifting rail
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for lifting and installing facade elements in multi-storey buildings are time-consuming and labor-intensive, often requiring bulky gripping devices and resulting in thicker, heavier frames due to high point loads, which limits design flexibility and increases construction costs.
Innovation Solution
A facade element with an elongate recess and undercut design that accommodates a L-shaped lifting rail with a locking mechanism, allowing for easier connection to cranes and distributing lift loads along the frame's length, enabling thinner and wider designs while avoiding spot loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional gripping devices are used to lift facade elements, then the lifting function is achieved, but the devices are bulky and time-consuming to position
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the lifting function from complex gripping devices and integrates it directly into the facade element through the recess-lifting rail system. The lifting rail is built into the facade element structure itself, eliminating the need for separate positioning devices and simplifying the lifting operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting rail acts as an intermediary component between the crane and the facade element. Instead of using complex gripping devices that must be positioned and adjusted, the lifting rail provides a standardized interface that directly receives the crane hook, simplifying the lifting process.
2Strength
If high point loads are applied at upper corners of the frame for lifting, then the lifting function is achieved, but the frame dimensions must be increased to withstand the loads
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from point loading (at upper corners) to distributed loading along the upper edge of the frame. The elongate recess spans the upper edge and distributes the lifting load across multiple points along its length, eliminating the need for oversized frames to withstand concentrated point loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The recess is specifically positioned at the upper edge of the frame where lifting loads are applied, providing localized reinforcement exactly where needed. This allows the frame to maintain thin dimensions in non-critical areas while withstanding lifting loads through the distributed reinforcement of the recess.
3Productivity
If conventional lifting methods with eyebolts and hooks are used, then the lifting function is achieved, but high point loads determine the dimensions of the frame and thus the whole facade element
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the loading pattern from vertical point loads at corners to horizontal distributed loads along the upper edge. The elongate recess distributes the lifting force across its entire length, allowing thinner frame dimensions while maintaining structural integrity during lifting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The recess is pre-formed as an integral part of the frame during manufacturing, eliminating the need for post-installation modifications or separate lifting components. This preliminary integration of the lifting feature into the frame structure enables faster installation without compromising frame dimensions.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a façade element and a rail for façade elements. The façade element (2) comprises a frame (12) and façade material (14; 16). The frame (12) is provided to surround and hold the façade material (14; 16). The frame (12) has an upper side (13) with a length (L) and an elongate recess (10) with an undercut (11) that extends at least along a major part of the length (L) of the upper side (13) of the frame (12). The recess (10) with the undercut is adapted to receive the rail (20) in a locking engagement, such that when the rail (20) is in an engaged state a L-shaped engagement portion (21) of the rail is inserted in the recess (10) of the frame (12) and a shoulder (22) of the rail (20) rests on the upper side (13) surface at one side of the recess (10) and a locking mechanism (24) of the lifting rail (20) rests on an upper side (13) surface at another side of the recess (10).