Facade Panel Support Device with Adjustable Compression Rod

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing facade panel support devices are complex in design and inefficient in supporting thin panels, as they require multiple parts and drilling holes for assembly, and struggle to maintain a consistent distance between the panel and the supporting structure, especially for panels less than 50 mm thick.

Innovation Solution

A support device featuring a facade panel, a support structure, an anchoring device, and a compression rod with an adjustment element that allows for variable axial adjustment outside the panel and structure, using cast-in anchor elements and a pressure screw for secure and adjustable mounting, enabling the support of thin panels without protruding components and simplifying assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional support devices with multiple parts and drilled connections are used, then the facade panel can be supported on the supporting structure, but the design becomes complex and assembly requires drilling holes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the anchoring device, adjustment element, and compression rod into an integrated support device. The anchoring device with cast-in anchor elements is merged with the adjustment mechanism, eliminating the need for separate drilled connections and reducing the number of individual parts while maintaining support functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The anchor elements are cast into the facade panel during panel production before installation. This preliminary action eliminates the need for drilling holes during assembly, simplifying the installation process and reducing assembly complexity while ensuring secure connection to the supporting structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the support device uses fixed distance connections, then the panel is securely supported, but thin panels less than 50 mm thick cannot be properly mounted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepanel thickness rangeVSAvoiddistance consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates an adjustment element with a compression rod that can be axially adjusted within the adjustment element. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the support device to adapt to different panel thicknesses, particularly enabling proper mounting of thin panels less than 50 mm thick while maintaining a constant distance between the panel and supporting structure through the adjustable compression rod.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If the anchoring device projects onto the outer surface of the facade panel, then secure connection is achieved, but the design of the outer surface is affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidsurface design
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the anchoring function from the visible outer surface by using cast-in anchor elements that are embedded within the facade panel. The anchoring device is positioned such that it does not project onto the outer surface, thereby maintaining the aesthetic design of the panel while achieving secure connection through the embedded anchor elements that extend over at least half of the panel thickness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 solution provides a stable and adjustable connection that maintains a consistent distance between the facade panel and the supporting structure, allowing for the effective support of thin panels, reduces assembly complexity, and enhances load-bearing capacity by distributing forces across multiple anchor points, while maintaining a clean panel design.

Implementation Method 1

the compression rod transmits only compressive forces between the facade panel and the support structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

the anchoring device in the facade panel comprises at least one cast-in, particularly embedded, anchor element, wherein the anchor element forms an undercut in the facade panel, particularly in the concrete of the facade panel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical interlocking: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 3

the adjustment element includes a thread... the compression rod is a compression screw and, when the support device is mounted, is screwed into the thread of the adjusting element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThreaded fastening: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP3348742B1Supporting device for supporting a façade panel on a support structure
Publication Date: 2020.03.04 HALFEN GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3348742B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3348742B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3348742B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

A support device (1) for supporting a facade panel (2) on a supporting structure (4) comprises a facade panel (2), a supporting structure (4), an adjustment element (6), and a compression rod (8). The adjustment element (6) is attached to the facade panel (2) via an anchoring device (14), the compression rod (8) having a first end (10) and a second end (11) and being axially adjustable within the adjustment element (6). When the support device (1) is assembled, the first end (10) of the compression rod (8) points towards the facade panel (2), and the second end (11) of the compression rod (8) is in contact with the supporting structure (4). It is provided that the adjusting element (6) is arranged outside the facade panel (2) and outside the supporting structure (4) and that, in the assembled state of the support device (I), the compression rod (8) transmits exclusively compressive forces (FD) between the facade panel (2) and the supporting structure (4).