Modular Wall Cladding Element for Flexible Vegetated Facades

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wall cladding systems for creating vegetated walls are complex to implement and lack modularity, allowing only fully vegetated options without flexibility in vegetation levels.

Innovation Solution

A foldable, parallelogram-shaped wall cladding element with a removable cover and triangular frame edges, equipped with attachment devices, allowing easy installation and detachment, and featuring options for varying vegetation levels and additional components like photovoltaic panels or sound systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing wall cladding systems are used to create vegetated walls, then the wall can be fully vegetated, but the system becomes complex to implement and lacks modularity

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovemodularityVSAvoidimplementation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wall cladding system is divided into modular elements that can be independently installed and configured. Each element can be separately manufactured, transported, and assembled, allowing for easy installation and future modifications without requiring complex integrated structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows for dynamic configuration where vegetation levels and arrangements can be adjusted at different heights along the wall. The modular design enables selective installation and removal of elements, providing flexibility in creating varying vegetation patterns without complex fixed structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing wall cladding systems are used, then vegetated walls can be created, but flexibility in vegetation levels is not allowed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevegetation level flexibilityVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wall surface is segmented into multiple levels with independently controllable elements. This allows different vegetation arrangements at different heights without requiring a complex monolithic structure, as each segment can be independently configured and adjusted.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different sections of the wall can have different vegetation densities and types according to local requirements. The modular design enables customized vegetation configurations at specific locations without affecting the entire wall structure, providing local adaptability without system-wide complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If modular elements are used for wall cladding, then easy installation is achieved, but structural integrity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidstructural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The wall cladding is divided into manageable modular elements that can be easily installed individually. Each element maintains sufficient structural strength for its function, and the cumulative effect of multiple elements creates the overall wall structure without requiring complex connection systems that would compromise integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple modular elements are combined to form the complete wall cladding system. The individual elements work together through standardized connection methods to create a unified structure that maintains structural integrity while preserving the ease of modular installation and future modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables easy, modular installation of vegetated walls with customizable vegetation and additional features, providing aesthetic and functional versatility while maintaining structural integrity.

Implementation Method 1

the cover is equipped with a photovoltaic panel, a sound system or a light signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4696131A1Element for covering a wall and kit comprising at least one such element
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 ULTRAWATT
  • EP4696131A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4696131A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4696131A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a wall cladding element (1) comprising a base (2) with four foldable edges (4 to 7), said base forming a parallelepiped when its edges (4 to 7) are folded at right angles, and a cover (8) with four foldable edges (11 to 14), said cover (8) forming a parallelepiped when its edges (11 to 14) are folded at right angles, this cover (8) removably closing the opening of the parallelepiped formed by the base (2), and in that the assembly, base (2) and cover (8), is removably inserted into the opening (16) of a parallelogram-shaped frame (15) two parallel edges (19, 20) of which are triangular. The invention also relates to a kit comprising at least one such element (1).