Modular Facade Fastening System for Independent Panel Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastening systems for facade elements, particularly photovoltaic modules, are inefficient as they require dismantling of neighboring elements to replace individual defective panels, are complex with many components, and do not allow for easy installation or maintenance of electrical cables.

Innovation Solution

A fastening system using connecting means with sliding parts and anchors that allow facade elements to be easily attached and detached from mounting profiles, enabling single-person installation and maintenance without adjacent elements needing to be dismantled, and incorporating form-fitting connections to secure elements against wind loads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If traditional fastening systems are used for facade elements, then the facade elements can be securely mounted, but individual defective elements cannot be easily replaced without dismantling adjacent elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of replacement of individual facade elementsVSAvoidcomplexity of fastening system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening system is divided into independent modular components: mounting profiles attached to the building wall, and separate connecting elements with anchors that attach to the mounting profiles. Each facade element can be independently attached and detached without affecting adjacent elements, enabling easy replacement of defective panels while maintaining overall system integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If multiple separate components are used for fastening facade elements, then secure mounting is achieved, but the number of components increases making the system expensive and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity of facade element mountingVSAvoidnumber of different components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting element integrates multiple functions into a single component: it combines the anchor mechanism, the connection interface to the mounting profile, and the attachment point for the facade element. This merging reduces the total number of separate parts needed while maintaining secure mounting through the integrated design that engages with the mounting profile at multiple points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting profiles and connecting elements are designed as universal components that can accommodate different types and sizes of facade elements. The same mounting profile system can fasten various facade elements at different locations, reducing the need for multiple specialized component types while ensuring reliable attachment for each application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If facade elements are tightly secured to the building wall, then structural stability is improved, but access behind installed elements for maintenance work becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stability of facade installationVSAvoidaccessibility for maintenance work behind facade elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting element incorporates a movable anchor mechanism that can be dynamically adjusted. During installation, the anchor engages securely with the mounting profile to provide stable fixation. For maintenance, the anchor can be released or detached, allowing temporary access behind the facade element while maintaining structural stability when engaged. This dynamic capability enables both secure mounting and maintenance access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3594427B1System and method for fixing facade elements
Publication Date: 2023.09.06 GFT FASSADEN AG
  • EP3594427B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3594427B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3594427B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a system for fastening facade elements (13a, 13b), in particular glass panes or photovoltaic modules, to a facade using mounting profiles (391) arranged on a building wall, and connecting means that can be connected on one side to the back of the facade elements (13a, 13b) and on the other side to the mounting profiles (391). The fastening system comprises mounting profiles of a first type (351) and mounting profiles of a second type (373) for substantially horizontal arrangement on a substructure of a building wall, wherein the mounting profiles of the first (351) and second type (373) can be used as a combined, one-piece mounting profile (391).Further components of the fastening system are a fastening profile (393) for arrangement on the rear of the facade elements (13a, 13b), an anchor (215) for detachable arrangement on the fastening profile (393), and a sliding part (217) that can be slidably arranged on the mounting profile of the second type (391), wherein the mounting profiles (351, 373, 391), the anchor (215) and the sliding part (217) are designed to form a first positive locking connection between the anchor (215) and the mounting profile of the first type () and a second positive locking connection between the anchor (215) and the sliding part (217).