Movable Exterior Wall System for Space Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exterior wall systems for buildings lack flexibility in space utilization and thermal insulation, especially in existing buildings, where new architectural designs and improved energy efficiency are desired without extensive renovation.
Innovation Solution
A movable exterior wall system with a bearing that allows the wall to be reversibly adjusted between closed positions, merging interior and exterior spaces, and featuring integrated insulation, drainage, and optional heating/cooling elements, which can be easily installed in new or existing buildings by attaching pre-assembled panels to the existing structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed exterior wall system is used in existing buildings, then the building structure remains simple and stable, but space flexibility and thermal insulation performance are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The exterior wall is designed as a movable system that can be dynamically repositioned between different locations (e.g., indoor storage position and outdoor extended position). The wall includes movable components such as rollers, rails, and telescopic mechanisms that enable it to extend outward from the building facade and retract back, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that adapts to different spatial requirements throughout the day or season.
Solution Approach 2:
The exterior wall system is divided into multiple segments or panels that can move independently or in coordination. The wall structure includes separate components such as the main wall body, insulation layers, cladding panels, and movement mechanisms that can be assembled and disassembled. This segmentation allows the wall to be extended or reconfigured without requiring complex monolithic structures.
2Area of stationary object
If the exterior wall is extended outward to increase interior space, then the footprint of the interior space increases, but the structural load and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wall structure incorporates counterbalancing mechanisms such as springs, weights, or pneumatic cylinders that offset the weight of the extended wall panels. These counterweights or balancing forces reduce the load on the building's main structure during extension and retraction, allowing the wall to move smoothly without requiring heavy structural support modifications to the existing building.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual or mechanical extension system is replaced with motorized or automated mechanisms such as electric motors, hydraulic cylinders, or pneumatic actuators. These powered systems reduce the force required to move the wall panels by providing mechanical assistance, eliminating the need for heavy structural reinforcement while enabling smooth extension and retraction of the exterior wall to increase interior footprint.
3Loss of time
If pre-assembled facade elements are used, then assembly time on construction site is reduced, but adaptability to different building configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The exterior wall system is designed as a universal module that can be adapted to different building configurations, facade styles, and spatial requirements. The standardized wall panels and movement mechanisms can be configured in various arrangements (e.g., different extension lengths, multiple wall sections, different insulation configurations) to suit residential, commercial, or industrial buildings. This multi-functionality allows the same basic system to serve multiple design purposes while maintaining quick assembly through pre-fabricated components.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an exterior wall system (10) of a building (12), comprising a displaceable exterior wall (28) and a bearing (44) for the displaceable exterior wall (28). The displaceable exterior wall (28) separates an interior space (14) from a walkable exterior space (16), and is reversibly adjustable between at least two closing positions (50, 52) and can be locked in each of the closing positions, wherein the displaceable exterior wall (28) separates the interior space (14) from the outside in each of the closing positions (50, 52). The bearing (44), implemented as a track curve, is designed so that the displaceable exterior wall (28) is displaceable between an inner closing position (50) and an outer closing position (52), and at least one part of the exterior space (16) transitions to the interior space (14) in the outer closing position (52), thereby increasing the floor space thereof.