Facade Support Structure with Plastic Intermediate Profile for Seal Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing support structures for facades and conservatories lack effective stabilization of the inner seal, leading to potential instability and compromised thermal insulation.

Innovation Solution

A support structure featuring an intermediate profile that stabilizes and fixes the inner seal, connected to the supporting profile via a clip connection, with fastening screws directly attached to the supporting profile, ensuring secure mounting of facade elements while maintaining thermal insulation by using non-metallic materials like plastic for the intermediate profile.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the inner seal is simply placed on the support profile without additional stabilization, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of the seal mounting deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidseal mounting stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

An intermediate profile is introduced as a mediator between the support profile and the inner seal. This intermediate profile provides additional stabilization and fixing points for the seal, improving mounting reliability without significantly increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system is segmented into distinct functional components: the support profile for structural support, the intermediate profile for seal stabilization, and the retaining profile for facade element fixation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If metallic parts are used in the sealing area, then the structural strength is improved, but the thermal insulation performance deteriorates due to metallic conduction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidthermal insulation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Metallic conductive parts are extracted or removed from the sealing area. The intermediate profile that contacts the seal is made of non-metallic material (plastic or rubber), eliminating thermal conduction paths through the sealing area while maintaining structural integrity through the support profile.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses composite material construction: the support profile provides structural strength (metal), while the intermediate profile provides thermal insulation and seal contact (non-metallic plastic or rubber). This composite approach combines the advantages of both material types in appropriate locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of operation

If fastening screws are screwed into the intermediate profile, then the ease of operation is improved, but the structural strength deteriorates due to potential damage to the plastic profile

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidprofile strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The function of fastening facade elements is extracted from the intermediate profile and assigned to a separate retaining profile. The retaining profile is specifically designed to receive and secure fastening screws, preventing damage to the intermediate profile while maintaining ease of installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening function is segmented into a separate retaining profile component. This retaining profile works in conjunction with the intermediate profile but handles all mechanical fastening loads, preserving the intermediate profile for its seal stabilization function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2775060B1Supporting structure, in particular for façades and winter conservatories
Publication Date: 2016.01.06 RAICO BAUTECHN
  • EP2775060B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2775060B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6

AI summary

The supporting structure has a support profile (1) for holding facade elements (2a,2b). The support profile is fixed to a retaining profile (3) for fixing the facade element on the support profile. An inner seal (4) seals the facade element relative to the support profile. The inner seal is connected to the support profile and is provided on an intermediate profile (10). The retaining profile is fastened directly to the support profile by a fastening screw (6). The intermediate profile is made of hard plastic. An independent claim is included for a post and beam construction.