Facade Panel Fastening System with Rotatable Hammerhead

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastening systems for attaching facade panels to C-profile rails require special profiles and are cumbersome to handle.

Innovation Solution

A fastening system comprising a fastener with an undercut anchor and a hammerhead element that secures the facade panel to a C-profile rail, utilizing a U-shaped bracket with rotatable attachments and positive locking mechanisms to facilitate easy and secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If existing fastening systems are used to attach facade panels to C-profile rails, then the panels can be secured, but special profiles are required and the fastening process is cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of fasteningVSAvoidspecial profiles required
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastener is designed with a universal T-profile hammerhead element that can be attached to standard C-profile rails without requiring special profiles. The hammerhead element can be positioned transversely or at an angle within the rail, engaging the rail on both sides of the longitudinal slot to provide secure attachment while maintaining compatibility with conventional rail designs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening system is divided into distinct functional components: the anchor for securing to the panel back side, the fastener body with U-shaped bracket, and the hammerhead element for attachment to the rail. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall installation process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If conventional fastening methods are used, then attachment is possible, but the process is cumbersome and difficult to handle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling easeVSAvoidfastening time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The anchor is pre-installed in the back side of the facade panel before the fastening process begins. This preliminary action eliminates the need to drill and install anchors during the fastening operation, significantly reducing installation time and simplifying the handling of the fastening system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The fastener incorporates a rotatable ring fitting that allows the U-shaped bracket to rotate about an axis perpendicular to the web. This dynamic feature enables easy adjustment and alignment of the fastener during installation, making the system more flexible and easier to handle in various mounting positions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the hammerhead element is positioned transversely in the C-profile rail, then positive locking is achieved preventing perpendicular movement, but insertion complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking stabilityVSAvoidinsertion complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hammerhead element features an asymmetric T-profile design with a head and a body. This asymmetric shape allows the element to be inserted through the longitudinal slot of the C-profile rail and then positioned transversely within the rail. The asymmetric geometry provides inherent directional guidance, ensuring proper orientation and engagement with the rail walls to achieve positive locking while simplifying the insertion process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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 allows for easy and secure fastening of facade panels to C-profile rails without special profiles, ensuring stability and preventing perpendicular movement through positive locking mechanisms.

Implementation Method 1

the anchor is an undercut anchor which is spread out in the blind hole having an undercut, which is installed in the back of the facade panel and is thereby anchored in the facade panel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUndercut anchor expansion: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

If the hammerhead is positioned transversely or at an angle within the C-profile rail, it engages the rail on both sides of the longitudinal slot. This positive locking action prevents it from being pulled out of the C-profile rail perpendicular to the side of the C-profile rail containing the longitudinal slot

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPositive locking: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 3

The anchor is preferably rotatably attached to the web of the first fastener by means of a ring fitting about an axis perpendicular to the web

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotatable joint: Hinge

Data Source

PatentEP4526530B1Fastening system for fastening a cladding panel to a c-profile rail and method for fastening the cladding panel with the fastening system
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 FISCHERWERKE ARTUR FISCHER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4526530B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4526530B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP4526530B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

In order to secure a cladding panel (21) to a C-profile rail (24), the invention proposes a first and second fastener (1, 14), each of which has a sheet metal strip that is bent into a U-shaped bracket (8). The second fastener (14) has a hammer head (15) on a flange bracket (18) and is rotatably secured in an anchoring hole on the rear face (22) of the cladding panel (21) by means of an undercut anchor (13). By moving the cladding panel (21) transversely to the C-profile rail (24), the hammer head (15) is brought into engagement behind the C-profile rail (24), thereby securing the cladding panel (21) to the C-profile rail (24).