Flush Slab Edge Covers for Window Wall Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional window wall systems face challenges in achieving a flush, aesthetically pleasing exterior with effective water and air sealing, particularly in balcony conditions and areas where exposed substrates are desired, due to the need for additional components like fire stopping and soundproofing, which increase costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of detachably coupled slab edge covers that align flushly with window wall panels, using a sliding transmission bar clip mechanism to secure the slab edge covers to the head receptor, allowing for easy installation and removal while maintaining a sealed system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional window wall systems use additional components like fire stopping and soundproofing, then water and air sealing is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The slab edge cover is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides fire stopping, soundproofing, and water/air sealing in a single integrated component that attaches to the head receptor, eliminating the need for separate fire stopping materials and soundproofing layers
Solution Approach 2:
The slab edge cover serves as a universal component that combines the functions of fire barrier, acoustic insulation, and weather sealing, allowing a single element to address multiple performance requirements that traditionally required separate components
2Stability of the object's composition
If slab edge covers are permanently fixed, then structural stability is improved, but ease of repair and maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism transitions from a static permanent fix to a dynamic system that allows both secure installation and controlled removal, enabling the slab edge cover to be firmly fixed during normal operation but easily removed for maintenance or replacement by operating the release mechanism
3Strength
If traditional window wall systems are installed, then structural support is provided, but aesthetic appearance and flush alignment deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The slab edge cover extends into the gap between the window wall panel and slab edge, utilizing the third dimension (depth) to achieve flush alignment on the exterior face while maintaining structural support through the attachment mechanism to the head receptor
Data Source
AI summary
Certain embodiments provide systems and methods for providing a window wall with flush slab edge covers. A window wall system can include a sill receptor configured to fixably attach to a top surface of a slab. The window wall system may include a head receptor configured to fixably attach to an underside surface of the slab. The window wall system can include a window wall panel including panel infill and a panel sill configured to detachably couple to the sill receptor. The window wall system may include a slab edge cover including cover infill. The slab edge cover can be configured to detachably couple to the window wall panel and the head receptor. In various embodiments, an exterior surface of the panel infill and an exterior surface of the cover infill are configured to flushly align when the slab edge cover is detachably coupled to the window wall panel.