Architectural Mesh Hanger Assembly With Break-Away Wind Load Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing architectural mesh systems struggle to withstand extreme wind loads and associated debris, such as those experienced during hurricanes and tornadoes, without increasing manufacturing costs and complicating installation due to added weight.
Innovation Solution
A hanger assembly with a pivotable 'break-away' bracket system, utilizing springs to absorb extreme loads by introducing slack and reducing tension in the architectural mesh, allowing it to deflect and manage high wind forces while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heavier architectural mesh panels with higher spring rates are used to withstand extreme wind loads, then the strength and reliability of the system is improved, but the weight of the mesh panel increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into the architectural mesh panel and the hanger assembly with break-away brackets, separating the function of withstanding loads from the mesh itself to the mounting system. This allows the mesh to remain lightweight while the mounting system handles extreme loads through controlled failure mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The break-away bracket system provides beforehand cushioning by being designed to fail at predetermined load thresholds. This protective mechanism absorbs extreme wind loads through controlled bracket failure, preventing damage to the mesh panel itself and allowing it to survive hurricanes and tornadoes without needing to be heavier.
2Reliability
If heavier architectural mesh panels with higher spring rates are used to withstand extreme wind loads, then the strength and reliability of the system is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the extreme load handling function from the mesh panel to the hanger assembly with break-away brackets. This segmentation allows the mesh panel to be manufactured at standard weights and costs, while the mounting system absorbs extreme loads through controlled bracket failure, making the overall system both reliable and cost-effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The break-away brackets are designed as sacrificial, disposable components that fail under extreme loads to protect the valuable mesh panel. By using cheaper, replaceable brackets instead of making the entire mesh panel heavier and more expensive, the system achieves extreme load resistance at lower manufacturing cost.
3Ease of manufacture
If the architectural mesh panel is made lighter with lower spring rates, then the ease of installation and manufacturing cost is improved, but the ability to withstand extreme wind loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The break-away bracket system introduces dynamics to the mounting system, allowing it to transition from a rigid fixed state to a controlled failure state under extreme loads. This dynamic response enables lightweight mesh panels to be used while the mounting system adaptively handles extreme wind loads through predetermined bracket failure, maintaining both ease of manufacture and reliability.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid fixed mounting system is used, then the stability of the architectural mesh panel is improved, but the ability to absorb extreme wind loads through deflection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The break-away bracket system provides beforehand cushioning by being designed to fail at predetermined load thresholds. This protective mechanism absorbs extreme wind loads through controlled bracket failure, preventing damage to the mesh panel and allowing it to survive extreme weather events while maintaining stability during normal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the potential harm of rigid fixed mounting (inability to absorb extreme loads) into a benefit by designing controlled failure points in the brackets. When extreme winds occur, the brackets fail in a predetermined manner that actually protects the mesh panel, turning the weakness of rigidity into a protective feature.
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 effectively handles extreme loads by compressing springs to absorb loading, reducing tension and deflection, thus providing a cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing solution for securing architectural mesh under extreme conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A pivot point 'P' is defined between the fixed member and the pivotable member and pivotal movement is controlled by a spring... Under extreme loads, such as when high force winds are applied to the architectural mesh, the spring is compressed to absorb some of the loading.
Implementation Method 2
the spring is compressed to absorb some of the loading. In this instance, slack is introduced into the system, thus increasing the deflection of the architectural mesh and in turn, reducing the overall tension in the system.
Data Source
AI summary
An architectural mesh hanging system including a hanger assembly for an architectural mesh panel of predetermined size and a mechanism for mounting the hanger assembly on a support surface, the mounting mechanism including a plurality of support brackets connected to the hanger assembly and at least one of the support brackets including a pivotable support bracket.