Facade Element Holder With Interlocking Profiles And Screw Pin

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing facade systems for curtain walls face challenges in ensuring safe and easy maintenance, particularly in the removal of facade panels without compromising installation work or safety, and require a solution that allows for easy dismantling and reassembly.

Innovation Solution

A facade element holder system comprising two interlocking profile elements that form a detachable suspension connection, with a screw pin securing mechanism that prevents horizontal displacement while allowing vertical lifting, enabling easy installation and maintenance by ensuring a form-fitting engagement and frictional connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a secure mechanical connection is used to ensure safety, then reliability is improved, but ease of dismantling deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidease of dismantling
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system transitions from a static permanent connection to a dynamic reversible connection. The profile elements are designed with complementary geometries that allow easy insertion and removal while maintaining secure engagement during operation. The connection can be dynamically changed between locked and unlocked states without damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical connection is divided into separate profile elements with specific geometric features. The first profile element has a receiving geometry while the second has a corresponding engagement geometry, allowing them to be assembled and disassembled as separate components while maintaining structural integrity during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a detachable connection is used to facilitate maintenance, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of maintenanceVSAvoidsafety
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system provides dynamic reversibility, allowing the facade element to be easily detached for maintenance and reattached to maintain safety. The geometric interlocking ensures that when properly assembled, the connection is as secure as permanent connections, but can be readily reversed when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The profile elements incorporate curved or angled engagement surfaces that guide the connection during assembly and disassembly. The geometric features create a form-fit connection that is both secure when engaged and easy to release, combining reliability with maintainability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Reliability

If a complex locking mechanism is used to prevent displacement, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of horizontal displacementVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The profile elements feature asymmetric geometric configurations where the first profile element has a receiving geometry that complements the engagement geometry of the second profile element. This asymmetric design provides inherent directional locking that prevents horizontal displacement without requiring additional complex locking components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The connection geometry incorporates angled and curved surfaces that create friction and mechanical interference, preventing horizontal movement. The form-fit connection uses geometric interlocking rather than separate locking mechanisms, simplifying the overall device while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 system enhances safety and simplifies the maintenance of facade panels by allowing secure attachment and easy removal without compromising safety, facilitating the adjustment and securement of facade elements while maintaining structural integrity.

Implementation Method 1

a screw pin (400) arranged to extend essentially in longitudinal direction of the bracket (100), wherein the screw pin (400) is arranged to engage in the second profile element (200) and form a frictional connection with the first profile element (100)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

A facade element holder system comprising two interlocking profile elements that form a detachable suspension connection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Fastener: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP3736391B1Façade element holder
Publication Date: 2023.02.01 SFS GROUP INTERNATIONAL AG
  • EP3736391B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3736391B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP3736391B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A facade element bracket comprises a first profile element and a second profile element, the first profile element having two sections A and B. Section A has a first surface form X, and section B has a second surface form Y. The second profile element also has two sections C and D, each with a first surface form X' and a second surface form Y'. X and X', as well as Y and Y', have essentially the same contour in pairs, with the distances between A and B and C and D being essentially equal. The first profile element can thus interlock positively in sections A and C, as well as in sections B and D. A method for mounting facade elements with such a facade element bracket includes providing the first and second profile elements and the facade elements, and attaching the second profile elements to the back of the facade elements.The first profile elements are installed horizontally as outer termination elements of a substructure on a load-bearing building envelope. Individual facade elements are mounted by engaging the second profile element(s) with the first profile element(s) to create a positive fit. The facade element is vertically aligned using an adjustment screw. The facade element is secured by pinning a second profile element to the first profile element using a screw pin.