Interlocking Panel Support Profiles for Cladding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fastening systems for heavy panelled cladding materials are complex, time-consuming, and costly to install, requiring skilled labor and additional drainage accessories, which complicates the installation process and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A fastening system comprising interlocking panel support profile members with projecting members, recesses, and drainage channels that facilitate quick installation, eliminate the need for separate drainage accessories, and promote water management through aligned drainage openings and hydrophobic coatings, allowing for easy alignment and adjustment of cladding panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional fastening systems use nails and screws for heavy panelled cladding, then the cladding can be secured to the structural frame, but the installation becomes time-consuming and requires high-skill work force
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is divided into separate modular components: a profile member with interlocking features, a separate fastening mechanism, and drainage integration. This segmentation allows for pre-assembly and simplifies installation, enabling workers to quickly connect components without requiring high-skill manual fastening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The profile member acts as an intermediary component between the cladding panel and the structural frame. It provides pre-formed interlocking features and integrated fastening mechanisms that simplify the connection process, eliminating the need for complex manual fastening operations while maintaining strong structural attachment.
2Reliability
If conventional fastening systems are designed to meet drainage and structural code requirements, then the cladding can be securely attached, but the fastening systems become mechanically complicated and expensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system merges multiple functions into a single integrated profile member: structural attachment, drainage provision, and code-compliant fastening mechanisms are all combined in one component. This eliminates the need for separate drainage accessories and simplifies the overall system while meeting all structural and drainage code requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The profile member is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural attachment to the frame, incorporates drainage channels and openings, includes integrated fastening features, and ensures code compliance. This multi-functionality reduces system complexity and manufacturing costs.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional fastening systems use separate drainage accessories, then drainage function can be provided, but the installation process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage function is merged directly into the profile member through integrated drainage channels and openings. This eliminates the need for separate drainage accessories, reducing the number of components and simplifying the installation process while maintaining effective water drainage capability.
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 enables quick and easy installation of heavy cladding panels, reduces installation time, and enhances water management, providing a rain screen system while minimizing the need for additional drainage accessories and allowing for easier window installation adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
hydrophobic coatings, allowing for easy alignment and adjustment of cladding panels
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening system suitable for attaching a cladding panel to a structural substrate comprising: a first and second panel support profile member, each of the first and second panel support profile members comprising a first arm, a second arm and a bridging portion intermediate the first and second arm. The bridging portion is configured to be attachable to either a cladding panel or a structural substrate. The first arm of each of the first and second panel support profile members further comprises a projecting member; wherein the configuration of the second arm and at least a portion of the bridging portion of each of the first and second panel support profile member defines a recess; and wherein the first and second panel support profile members seat together such that the first and second panel support profile members interlock.