Sandwich Façade Panel Reinforcement for Shear Load Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sandwich panels used in building facades have low load-carrying capacity, especially when mounting heavy objects like solar panels, and existing reinforcement methods are expensive, time-consuming, or compromise thermal insulation.
Innovation Solution
A reinforcement device comprising a bush, closure plate, and bolt system is installed in-situ to connect the outer skin of a sandwich panel to the building framework, enhancing shear-load capacity without drilling multiple holes, using a bush with high bending stiffness and a closure plate to distribute radial forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If numerous screw attachments are used to mount support frame directly to façade, then load-carrying capacity is improved, but thermal insulation functionality deteriorates and installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reinforcement element as an intermediary component inserted into a single hole through the sandwich panel. This element provides multiple attachment points for screw attachments, distributing the mounting loads through the panel thickness without requiring numerous holes in the panel surface, thus preserving thermal insulation while achieving adequate load-carrying capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement element extends in the thickness direction (z-dimension) of the sandwich panel, creating attachment points at different depths. This dimensional approach allows multiple screw attachments to be mounted through a single hole, distributing loads through the panel's thickness rather than requiring multiple holes in the panel surface
2Strength
If specially adapted sandwich panels with internal reinforcement are used, then load-carrying capacity is improved, but cost and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement element is designed to be inserted into a pre-drilled hole in the sandwich panel before mounting the support frame. This preliminary placement allows the reinforcement element to be positioned and secured with minimal disruption to the installation process, avoiding the need to replace entire panels or perform complex on-site reinforcement work
3Strength
If auxiliary framework anchored in ground is erected, then load-carrying capacity is improved, but cost and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the reinforcement function from the external auxiliary framework and integrates it into a compact element that is inserted directly into the sandwich panel. This eliminates the need for separate auxiliary framework structures anchored to the ground, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining load-carrying capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement element combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural reinforcement, creates mounting attachment points, and distributes loads through the sandwich panel. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate auxiliary framework systems and simplifies the overall mounting structure
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, the invention relates to a reinforcement device for increasing the shear-load-carrying capacity of a sandwich panel (150) that forms part of a building façade and which is attached to a framework construction of the building. The device connects an outer skin (155) of the sandwich panel to a structural member (160) of the framework construction and comprises:a bush (110) of high bending stiffness with an axial length substantially equal to a thickness T of the sandwich panel;a closure plate (120) arrangeable at an exterior end face of the bush, such that an exterior surface of the closure plate lies flush with the outer skin (155) of the sandwich panel, whereby the closure plate has a first bore with a centre axis that coincides with a centre axis (112) of the bush, and whereby the closure plate is configured to permit radial and axial forces to be transmitted to the bush;a cover plate (130) comprising a second bore, adapted for coaxial arrangement with the first bore of the closure plate, which is configured for attachment via screws (135) to the outer skin (155) of the sandwich panel; anda bolt (140) having a threaded end (142) that is received through the first and second bores, which is configured for attachment in a threaded hole provided in the structural member (160).