Facade Fastening Device With Horizontal Projection For Lateral Force Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening devices for unitized facades and windows are inadequate in absorbing horizontal lateral forces, such as those caused by wind or traffic loads, and fail to provide stable support for facade elements with sliding doors.
Innovation Solution
A fastening device with a fixing element having both a vertical tab and a horizontal projection, connectable via fastening means to a holding element, allowing force absorption in two perpendicular directions and stable support through a holder and base plate, with optional features like adjustable guide elements and multiple fastening points for enhanced stability and ease of assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional fastening devices with only vertical fixing elements are used, then installation is simple, but horizontal lateral forces cannot be adequately absorbed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a horizontal projection dimension to the traditional vertical tab fixing element. The fixing element now includes both a vertical tab for vertical connection to the base plate and a horizontal projection extending perpendicular to the vertical tab for lateral force absorption. This dimensional extension allows the same component to handle both vertical and horizontal forces without requiring additional separate fixing elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing element is designed to perform multiple functions: the vertical tab provides vertical suspension and connection to the base plate, while the horizontal projection provides lateral force absorption and connection to the retaining element. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate vertical and horizontal fixing components, resolving the contradiction between force absorption capability and device complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple separate fixing elements are used to absorb horizontal forces, then force absorption improves, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the vertical tab and horizontal projection into a single integrated fixing element. This unified component simultaneously provides vertical suspension through the vertical tab and lateral force absorption through the horizontal projection, eliminating the need to install separate vertical and horizontal fixing elements. The merging reduces installation steps while maintaining reliable stable support.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed height support is used, then manufacturing is simple, but thermal stress accommodation is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The support element is designed with adjustable height capability rather than being fixed. It can be positioned at different heights along the guide element to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction of the facade element. The support element maintains contact with the facade element while allowing vertical movement within the adjustable range, dynamically adapting to thermal stresses.
4Reliability
If precise alignment features are added to ensure stable fastening, then fastening reliability improves, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide element is pre-installed on the base plate before the facade element is mounted. This preliminary positioning feature guides the fixing element into correct alignment during installation, eliminating the need for complex real-time alignment adjustments. The T-shaped cross-section of the guide element engages with the recess in the base plate to establish precise horizontal and vertical positioning automatically.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fastening device for securing a window or facade element (10) to a facade comprises a base plate (2) that can be fixed to a floor slab (1); a holder (14) supported on the base plate (2); and a fixing element (13) fixed to the holder (14), which has a vertical tab (18). The fixing element (13) has a horizontal projection (20), and the horizontal projection (20) can be connected via fasteners (21) to a retaining element (29) arranged on or in the facade element (10), for example, a corner connector. This allows lateral forces on the facade element (10) to be absorbed more effectively.