Movable Anchoring Tabs for Curtainwall Cassette Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cassette frame installation methods for curtainwall systems are inefficient and unsafe, requiring extensive onsite assembly and double anchorage means, which increases installation time and labor, and can lead to interference issues with adjacent anchors.
Innovation Solution
The use of movable anchoring members, such as slidable and pivotable anchoring tabs, which allow for easier and safer installation by providing dead-load support and eliminating the need for double anchorage, enabling single-person installation and reducing interference with adjacent anchors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional fixed anchoring tabs are used for cassette frame installation, then structural stability is maintained, but installation time increases and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring tabs are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to slide along the mullion and pivot at connection points. This dynamic capability enables installers to position the tabs after the cassette frame is in place, significantly reducing installation time and allowing single-person installation while maintaining structural stability when secured.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring system is divided into separate movable tabs that can be independently positioned and secured. Each tab can be adjusted separately along the mullion, allowing flexible installation without requiring complex pre-alignment or multiple anchoring points, thus reducing both installation complexity and time.
2Reliability
If double anchorage means are used to secure cassette frames, then installation stability is improved, but interference with adjacent anchors increases and installation safety decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable anchoring tabs can be positioned at optimal locations after the cassette frame is installed, allowing installers to avoid interference with adjacent anchors while still achieving stable securing. The tabs can slide along the mullion to find non-interfering positions, eliminating the need for double anchorage and reducing anchor interference.
3Adaptability or versatility
If extensive onsite assembly is required for curtainwall systems, then adaptability to building structures is improved, but installation time increases and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cassette frames are pre-assembled with glass panels and sealing components before arriving at the building site. The movable anchoring tabs are also pre-installed on the cassette frames. This preliminary assembly reduces onsite work to simple positioning and securing operations, maintaining adaptability while dramatically reducing installation time and labor.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable anchoring system allows the pre-assembled cassette frames to be easily adapted to different building structures and curtainwall configurations during quick onsite installation. The tabs can be positioned to accommodate various mullion locations and angles, providing adaptability without requiring extensive onsite assembly.
4Strength
If traditional anchoring methods are used, then structural support is provided, but installation safety decreases and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The movable anchoring tabs can be securely positioned and locked after the cassette frame is in place, providing reliable structural support. The dynamic positioning capability allows installers to work from the ground or safe positions rather than needing to support heavy frames during assembly, significantly improving installation safety while maintaining structural strength.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes cassette frame assemblies and methods of installing them onto curtainwall structures. Assemblies can include a mullion and a first cassette frame coupled to a front end of the mullion via an anchoring tab. The anchoring tab can be configured to move within the first cassette frame prior to installation. An assembly can also include a second cassette frame coupled to the front end of the mullion via a second anchoring tab. A first glass panel can be fixed to the first cassette frame and a second glass panel can be fixed to the second cassette frame. Anchoring tabs can be slidable and pivotable to facilitate safe and efficient installation onto a curtainwall structure.