Glass Wall Fin System for Wind Load Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Glass curtain walls face challenges in providing unobstructed views while maintaining structural strength and thermal insulation, especially in areas prone to high winds and debris impact, as existing support systems are aesthetically unappealing, costly, and can compromise insulation when applied to insulated glass panels.
Innovation Solution
A window system featuring glass panels with laminated vertical and horizontal fins affixed to the back surface, providing structural strength and resistance to wind loads, and optionally incorporating metal supports for added rigidity, while allowing for easy installation and maintaining thermal insulation properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a traditional metal grid frame system is used to provide structural support to glass panels, then the glass panels gain strength and resistance to wind loads, but the grid system interrupts the view and detracts from architectural beauty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional metal grid frame system entirely and replaces it with discrete fin elements attached to individual glass panels. This extraction of the supporting structure from a continuous grid to discrete panel-mounted fins eliminates the visual obstruction while maintaining structural support functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system is segmented from a continuous metal grid into discrete fin elements that are individually attached to each glass panel. This segmentation allows the support function to be distributed across multiple small elements rather than requiring a continuous obstructive framework.
2Illumination intensity
If a spider mount system with through-bolts is used to attach glass panels, then the grid system is replaced and aesthetics improve, but the cost increases and holes must be formed in the glass panels
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of attaching mounting hardware to the glass panels (as in spider mounts), the patent inverts the approach by attaching fin elements to the edges of the glass panels using edge-mounted brackets. This eliminates the need to drill holes through the glass panels themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses simple, inexpensive fin elements and mounting brackets rather than complex spider mounts with cables. These simpler components are easier and cheaper to manufacture and install, while achieving the same aesthetic and structural goals.
3Strength
If spider mounts with through-bolts are used on insulated glass panels, then glass panels can be attached, but leaks occur at the bolt holes reducing insulative properties and causing fogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the mounting approach by attaching fins to the edges of insulated glass panels rather than drilling through-bolts through the entire panel assembly. This edge-mounted approach preserves the sealed insulating cavity of the insulated glass units while providing secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the mounting function from the center of the glass panels (where through-bolts would penetrate the insulating cavity) and relocates it to the edges. This extraction preserves the integrity of the insulated glass unit's sealed cavity.
4Illumination intensity
If glass panels are made larger to reduce the number of supports needed, then visibility improves and fewer fins are required, but the structural strength and resistance to wind loads decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the support function into multiple discrete fin elements distributed across the glass curtain wall, rather than requiring fewer, larger support structures. This segmentation allows for larger glass panels while maintaining adequate structural support through distributed loading points.
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 system offers improved visibility, enhanced resistance to flying debris, and maintains thermal insulation, meeting architectural and regulatory requirements without the aesthetic drawbacks of traditional grid systems.
Implementation Method 1
The vertical fin is made from sheets of the glass laminated together
Implementation Method 2
maintaining the required structural strength, ability to install, and thermal insulative properties required by architects and local ordinances
Data Source
AI summary
A window system is disclosed. The window system provides improved visibility while protecting against wind and flying debris. In some embodiments, the window panel is made using insulated safety glass for added insulation from the elements and impact protection for wind borne debris. Fins (e.g., glass fins) are affixed to a vertical edge of each window panel to provide extra resistance to wind and flying debris while providing improved visibility over window systems that have metal frames. In some embodiments, the glass fins are made from laminated glass to achieve thicknesses of between two and three inches. In some embodiments, especially when the window panel is very tall, one or more horizontal fins are affixed to the inside surface of the glass for added strength.