Facade Substructure Wedge Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing facade cladding substructures require extensive assembly work due to numerous screw connections and height adjustments, especially for large areas, and are cumbersome to install, especially when the substructure is uneven.
Innovation Solution
A substructure with a holding part that can be fixed in different positions on a wall section using a wedge-shaped locking element, which eliminates the need for complex screw connections by providing a clamping or form-fitting fixation, allowing for easy alignment and installation of cladding elements without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screw connections are used to fix fasteners to cladding elements and substructure, then reliable connection is achieved, but assembly work and time increase considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the fastening function from the cladding element and relocates it to the substructure. The substructure now provides the connection function through its retaining element and locking mechanism, while the cladding element simply rests on the retaining element. This separation eliminates the need for screw connections to the cladding element, significantly reducing assembly work while maintaining connection reliability through the substructure's locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining element acts as an intermediary between the substructure and the cladding element. It provides a bearing surface for the cladding element and a interface for the locking mechanism, enabling reliable connection without requiring direct screw fixation to the cladding element itself.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple screw connections are required for leveling and securing fasteners, then precise alignment is achieved, but assembly complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The substructure is pre-assembled with the retaining element and locking mechanism before installation. This preliminary preparation allows for quick alignment and securing during assembly, eliminating the need for complex on-site leveling operations with multiple screw connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically secure the retaining element to the support structure when the locking element is actuated. This self-securing feature reduces the need for manual leveling and multiple adjustment operations, simplifying the assembly process while maintaining alignment precision.
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
Enables simple alignment and easy installation of cladding elements relative to the wall, reducing assembly time and effort by using a wedge-shaped locking element for secure fixation, allowing for tool-free assembly of cladding elements after the carrier is assembled.
Implementation Method 1
The locking element is wedge-shaped to ensure a clamping or positive locking connection of the retaining part to the support
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A substructure (1) for a facade cladding comprises a support (3) that can be fixed to a wall, on which a retaining element (4) can be fixed in different positions on a section (31) projecting from the wall (2), wherein a strip (5) for fixing a plurality of cladding elements (6, 7, 8) is fixed to the retaining element (4), wherein the retaining element (4) can be fixed to the support (3) by means of at least one locking element (20). The invention further relates to a method for assembling a substructure for a facade cladding.