Flexible Lightning Protection for Building Facades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing facade and skylight constructions do not effectively divert lightning strikes to earth in a controlled and efficient manner, often causing damage due to random and non-current-carrying paths within the building's structure.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of flexible, strip-like lightning protection devices with adaptable bearing sections and screw connections between metal profiles, ensuring a current-carrying connection between facade elements without affecting relative movements, and integrating seamlessly with existing assembly processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lightning protection devices are installed using traditional rigid connection methods, then current-carrying capacity is improved, but adaptability to profile movements and installation flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible band-like areas (thin film elements) to connect the bearing sections of lightning protection devices. These flexible connections maintain electrical conductivity while accommodating relative movements between facade profiles, resolving the contradiction between rigid current-carrying capacity and movement adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lightning protection device design incorporates dynamic elements that allow relative movements between connected profiles. The flexible band-like areas enable the system to adapt to changes in profile positioning while maintaining the necessary electrical connection for lightning current discharge.
2Reliability
If multiple separate connection elements are used to ensure current-carrying capacity, then lightning protection reliability is improved, but device complexity and installation time worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple connection functions into integrated lightning protection devices that combine bearing sections, flexible connections, and electrical conductivity in single unified components. This eliminates the need for multiple separate connection elements while maintaining reliable current-carrying capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lightning protection devices are designed as multi-functional components that simultaneously provide structural support, electrical conductivity, and flexible connection capabilities. This universal design reduces the overall number of components needed in the facade system.
3Reliability
If traditional screw connections are used between facade profiles, then current-carrying capacity is achieved, but installation complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lightning protection system is divided into modular devices that can be independently installed on individual profiles. Each module contains pre-integrated connection elements, allowing for rapid installation without requiring complex multi-step assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing sections and connection elements are pre-configured during manufacturing, so that during installation only simple attachment operations are required. This preliminary preparation of connection interfaces significantly reduces on-site installation time and complexity.
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
This solution provides a reliable, cost-effective, and easy-to-install lightning protection system that ensures safe diversion of lightning strikes to earth, reducing the risk of damage and maintaining the structural integrity and appearance of the building.
Implementation Method 1
They are connected to one another via flexible band-like areas... a current-carrying connection between the outer pressure profiles of the facade
Implementation Method 2
The external lightning protection of the building is used for the safe discharge of the lightning current from the air-termination system to the ground... conducts the lightning current to the grounding system without causing damage to the building
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A facade or skylight construction for a building comprises profiles, such as mullion profiles (1) and transom profiles (2), as well as upstand profiles of the mullions (5) and upstand profiles of the transoms (6), which consist wholly or partially of an electrically conductive material, in particular a metal, preferably an aluminum alloy, and which intersect or abut each other in an intersectional or other manner, wherein at least one or more lightning protection devices (13) are provided, which establish a conductive connection at least between a portion of the abutting upstand profiles (5, 6) and are designed to follow any relative movements between the upstand profiles (5, 6) thus conductively connected to each other when installed on the building. This provides a simple way to implement a safe, current-carrying lightning protection system.