Facade Panel Coupling Mechanism With Offset Pin Guides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing facade panel coupling mechanisms are costly, time-consuming, and complex, especially when dealing with thin panels, and often require reservations in the panel edges, which can be damaging and difficult to implement.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism comprising an upper guide with a perpendicular extension and a lower guide with a sheath, where a pin extends through the sheath and is adjustable in three directions, allowing for secure coupling without edge reservations, enabling simple and rapid installation with limited cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pin insertion mechanism is used to couple facade panels, then the panels can be mechanically connected, but reservations must be made in the panel edges which damages the panels and is difficult to implement for thin panels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces guide plates as intermediary elements that are fixed to the inner faces of the facade panels. These guide plates extend perpendicular to the panel faces and provide guiding surfaces for the pin, eliminating the need for edge reservations. The intermediary guide plates transfer the connection function from the panel edges to the inner panel surfaces, thereby preventing edge damage while maintaining reliable mechanical coupling.
2Quantity of substance
If thin facade panels are used to reduce cost and improve aesthetics, then material usage is reduced, but the ability to provide reservations in edges is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The guide plates serve as mediators that enable pin insertion for thin panels without requiring edge reservations. By fixing the guide plates to the inner faces of thin panels and extending them perpendicular to the panel surface, the mechanism provides sufficient guidance and support for the pin, making thin panel installation feasible without compromising manufacturing ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the connection mechanism from the edge dimension to the inner face dimension. Instead of making reservations in the panel edges, the guide plates are fixed to the inner faces and extend in the perpendicular direction, creating a three-dimensional solution that accommodates thin panels while maintaining connection capability.
3Reliability
If independent attachment devices are used for each panel, then panels can be fixed to support structure, but connection between panels is lost and time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the attachment and connection functions into a single integrated pin mechanism. The pin simultaneously attaches the upper panel to the support structure and connects it to the lower panel, eliminating the need for separate attachment devices. This combination maintains reliable attachment while significantly improving installation speed and reducing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin mechanism serves multiple functions: it acts as both an attachment device for securing panels to the support structure and a connection device for linking adjacent panels. The guide plates provide universal guidance for the pin, enabling this multi-functional operation without requiring separate specialized components for each function.
4Adaptability or versatility
If complex connection devices are used to attach panels and connect them simultaneously, then both functions are achieved, but the devices become particularly complex and difficult to put in place
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection mechanism into simple, distinct components: guide plates fixed to panel inner faces and a pin that moves through the guide plates. This segmentation avoids the complexity of integrated complex devices while achieving dual functionality. Each component has a simple geometry and function, making the overall system easy to manufacture and install.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a mechanism (1) for mechanically coupling upper (2) and lower (3) facade panels together. The mechanism (1) according to the invention comprises a pin (7), an upper guide (4) fixed to the upper facade panel (2) to guide the pin (7), and a lower guide (5) fixed to the lower facade panel (3) to retain a sleeve (6) in which the pin (7) extends. The mechanism (1) is configured to be installed offset from the upper (2) and lower (3) facade panels. This invention further proposes a method for arranging these panels (2, 3) by means of the mechanism (1).