L-bracket and clip assembly for curtain wall insulation retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing curtain wall insulation systems are labor-intensive and pose safety risks due to the need for multiple screws and sharp fasteners, which increase installation costs and can lead to leaks or damage, especially in fire scenarios where smoke and flames can pass through gaps.
Innovation Solution
A bracket and clip system that uses L-brackets with receiving slots and tapered clip legs to secure insulation without screws, allowing for a friction fit or single screw attachment, and includes stiffeners to prevent deformation and movement of insulation, thereby enhancing fire resistance and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple screws and sharp fasteners are used to secure insulation, then the insulation is securely retained, but the installation becomes labor-intensive and poses safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fastening function from multiple separate screws and sharp pins into a single integrated L-bracket system. The L-bracket incorporates a receiving slot that guides the insulation and a flange that provides structural support, eliminating the need for multiple fasteners and sharp impaling spikes while maintaining secure retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The L-bracket merges multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural support through the flange, guides insulation placement through the receiving slot, and eliminates the need for separate fasteners. This consolidation reduces installation complexity and removes safety hazards associated with multiple screws and sharp pins.
2Reliability
If multiple screws are used at 8 to 12 inches O.C. for insulation attachment, then the insulation is securely fastened, but the installation cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for multiple expensive screws spaced at 8-12 inches on center by extracting the fastening function into the L-bracket structure itself. The flange and receiving slot design provides secure attachment without requiring additional fasteners, dramatically reducing material and labor costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The L-bracket is designed as a single-use, disposable component that provides all necessary fastening functions in one piece. Rather than installing multiple expensive screws that may require pilot holes and careful alignment, the L-bracket offers a cost-effective, single-installation solution that eliminates recurring fastener costs.
3Reliability
If screws are driven into mullions for insulation attachment, then the insulation is securely mounted, but drainage points are created that can later leak
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the mounting function from screw-fastening into the L-bracket system, which attaches to the mullion without penetrating it. The flange provides structural attachment while the receiving slot guides insulation, eliminating the need for pilot holes and screw penetrations that would create drainage leak paths.
4Reliability
If sharp pins or impaling spikes are used to attach insulation, then the insulation is securely fastened, but worker safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes sharp pins and impaling spikes from the system by extracting the fastening function into the L-bracket design. The receiving slot provides guidance and retention without requiring sharp objects, and the flange provides structural support, eliminating safety hazards while maintaining secure insulation attachment.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of installing and retaining insulation relative to at least one of a mullion and a transom having a given width. The methods comprise: using a fastener to attach to a side surface of the mullion or transom a side plate of each of a plurality of spaced apart L-brackets, each said L-bracket having a first receiving slot formed in the side plate; positioning the insulation in a space adjacent to at least one of the mullion and the transom; and engaging with each L-bracket a clip having a pair of clip legs with a first of the pair of clip legs extending through the first receiving slot of the L-bracket and a second of the pair of clip legs penetrating into the insulation. At least one of the clip legs has a tapered free end.