Facade Profile Element for Independent Panel Replacement

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing facade systems for small or medium-sized panels, such as those made from glass fiber concrete or fiber cement, are complex, expensive, and difficult to assemble and disassemble, with existing solutions requiring the entire facade to be dismantled to replace individual panels.

Innovation Solution

A one-piece profile element with a receiving section, fastening section, and mounting section, allowing individual facade panels to be installed and removed independently, featuring a U-shaped receiving space and a stepped recess for interlocking with adjacent profile elements, enabling easy assembly and disassembly without interacting with other system elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a complex facade system with multiple interacting elements is used, then the load-bearing function and stability are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload-bearing functionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the receiving section, fastening section, and mounting section into a single integrated profile element. This merging of functions into one component reduces the number of separate parts needed in the facade system, thereby reducing device complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining the load-bearing function through the coordinated design of the integrated sections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The profile element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it receives the facade panel in the receiving section, fastens it in the fastening section, and provides mounting attachment in the mounting section. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized components, simplifying the overall system while ensuring reliable load-bearing performance.

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

2Stability of the object's composition

If facade panels are installed in a fixed sequence from bottom to top with interlocking elements, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of operation for replacement and maintenance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidease of panel replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The profile element is segmented into distinct functional sections (receiving, fastening, mounting) that can independently perform their functions. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for its specific purpose while maintaining overall structural stability, and enables individual panels to be accessed and replaced without requiring dismantling of the entire facade structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The design allows for dynamic installation and removal of individual facade panels through the coordinated action of the profile element sections. The receiving section accommodates panel insertion, the fastening section secures it, and the mounting section provides attachment points, enabling panels to be dynamically installed or replaced without affecting the stability of the entire facade structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate components are used to form the profile element, then the adaptability and flexibility of the system are improved, but the ease of manufacture and assembly deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem flexibilityVSAvoidease of production
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The profile element is manufactured as a single integrated component combining the receiving, fastening, and mounting sections. This merging simplifies the manufacturing process by eliminating the need to produce and assemble multiple separate parts, reducing production complexity and cost while maintaining the adaptability and flexibility needed for various facade panel configurations through the integrated design of the functional sections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3536873B1Profiled element and facade system comprising such a profiled element
Publication Date: 2021.05.05 GFT FASSADEN AG
  • EP3536873B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3536873B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3536873B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

A profile element and a facade system (11) for mounting on buildings is shown and described, comprising facade panels (12) which are connected to profile elements (13), each profile element (13) having a receiving section (15), a fastening section (17) and a mounting section (19). According to the invention, the receiving section (15) forms a receiving space (21) at its free end and the fastening section (17) is shaped such that it rests at least partially on the back of the facade panel (12), and the fastening section (17) is positioned with respect to the facade panel (12) such that the mounting section (19) projects beyond the facade panel (12).