Curtain Wall Mullion Anchoring System Tolerance Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current curtain wall mullion anchoring systems require time-consuming three-way construction tolerance adjustments for each mullion, especially in-and-out and left-and-right adjustments, which increases labor costs and complexity during mullion erection on cured concrete floor slabs.
Innovation Solution
An anchoring device with an integral mullion connector that allows for automatic three-way adjustments by accurately placing the anchoring device at proper in-and-out and left-and-right positions, eliminating the need for adjustable parts and fasteners, and utilizing a mullion connector that slides for up-and-down adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a traditional mullion anchoring system with separate adjustment components is used, then construction tolerance adjustments can be made, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple adjustment functions (in-and-out, left-and-right, up-and-down) into a single integrated anchoring device. The L-shaped configuration integrates the horizontal leg for in-and-out adjustment and the upstanding lip for left-and-right adjustment, eliminating the need for separate adjustment components and reducing installation time while maintaining all three adjustment capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring device is pre-positioned on the concrete floor slab at the proper in-and-out and left-and-right positions before mullion installation. This preliminary placement of the anchoring device eliminates the need for time-consuming field adjustments during mullion erection, as all positional adjustments are predetermined and built into the anchoring device placement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for three-way adjustments, then construction tolerance can be accommodated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges three separate adjustment mechanisms (in-and-out, left-and-right, up-and-down) into a single L-shaped anchoring device. The horizontal leg provides in-and-out adjustment capability, the upstanding lip provides left-and-right adjustment capability, and the vertical orientation provides up-and-down adjustment capability, all within one integrated component rather than three separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The L-shaped anchoring device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it anchors the mullion to the concrete slab, provides in-and-out position adjustment through the horizontal leg, provides left-and-right position adjustment through the upstanding lip, and enables up-and-down adjustment through vertical positioning. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized components for each adjustment direction.
3Manufacturing precision
If adjustable parts and fasteners are used for tolerance adjustments, then construction imprecision can be corrected, but the installation process becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring device is pre-positioned at the exact proper location on the concrete floor slab during the anchoring phase, incorporating all necessary in-and-out and left-and-right position adjustments in advance. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for complex field adjustments, adjustable parts, and additional fasteners during mullion installation, simplifying the erection process while maintaining precise placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring device itself provides the adjustment capability through its L-shaped configuration and geometry, without requiring separate adjustable components or fasteners. The device's structure inherently accommodates construction tolerances through its design, allowing the mullion to be directly connected without additional adjustment mechanisms, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and installation cost.
Data Source
AI summary
A curtain wall mullion anchoring system that does not require adjustability among the anchoring system components and the mullion to account for construction tolerance. The anchoring device can be accurately installed on a cured concrete floor slab at the proper in-and-out and left-and-right positions. A mullion connector is engaged with the anchoring device and the mullion to transfer reaction forces on the mullion to the building structure via the anchoring device. The mullion connector is slidably engaged with the mullion such that the mullion connector can slide along the length of the mullion and will be placed at the proper up-and-down position by simply sliding the mullion connector down the mullion to the anchoring device on the concrete floor slab.