Mullion Cover Hanger Tool-Free Attachment Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional curtain wall insulation systems for preventing fire spread between building floors are inefficient in installation, particularly in tight or obstructed spaces, as they require electric tools and additional fasteners, making it difficult to attach mullion covers to mullions effectively.

Innovation Solution

A mullion cover hanger with an elongated main body and hook members that extend outward from the top surface, allowing for tool-free attachment of mullion covers to mullions, using a configuration of hook members and fastening apertures that enable secure attachment without the need for electric tools or additional fasteners, even in restricted spaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If spiral anchors or cup head weld pins are used to attach mullion covers, then secure attachment is achieved, but installation requires electric tools and becomes inefficient in tight spaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidinstallation accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the fastening function from separate electric tools and fasteners, integrating it into the hanger assembly itself. The hanger includes integrated fastening members (screws, bolts, or clips) that are part of the single component, eliminating the need for separate electric tools and additional fasteners during installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple functions into a single hanger component: the elongated body provides structural support, the fastening members provide attachment, and the overall assembly provides both mechanical fastening and electrical continuity. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate components and tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If vertical hangers with locking washers are used, then attachment is achieved, but installation becomes complex requiring multiple steps and components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidinstallation steps

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the hanger body and fastening members into a single integrated component. The fastening members are directly attached to the elongated hanger body, eliminating the need for separate locking washers and multiple assembly steps required by conventional vertical hanger systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hanger is designed as a modular single component that can be independently installed and removed. The integration of fastening members into the hanger body creates a self-contained assembly that simplifies the installation process while maintaining secure attachment capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If conventional installation methods are used, then mullion covers can be attached, but installation time increases due to tool requirements and complex procedures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening members are pre-attached to the hanger body during manufacturing, creating a ready-to-install assembly. This preliminary action eliminates the need for installers to perform fastening operations during installation, significantly reducing installation time while ensuring consistent attachment quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent removes the time-consuming steps of electric tool operation and separate fastener installation by extracting these functions from the installation process. The integrated design allows direct manual installation without requiring electric tools, capacitor discharge stud welders, or separate fastening operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If electric tools are required for installation, then secure attachment is achieved, but installation becomes impractical in obstructed spaces where tools cannot access

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidinstallation location flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the dependency on electric tools from the installation process by integrating all fastening functions into the manual hanger assembly. This eliminates the accessibility constraints imposed by tool size and power requirements, allowing installation in previously unreachable locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The hanger assembly acts as an intermediary that transfers the attachment function from electric tools to manual operation. The integrated fastening members provide the mechanical interface for secure attachment without requiring electric tool mediation, enabling installation in confined and obstructed spaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10309100B2Mullion cover hanger and curtain wall insulation system incorporating the same

Publication Date: 2019.06.04 OWENS CORNING INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL LLC

AI summary

A mullion cover hanger and a curtain wall insulation system incorporating the mullion cover hanger are provided. The mullion cover hanger includes an elongated main body having hook members extending therefrom. When the mullion cover hanger is attached to a mullion, a mullion cover can be secured to the mullion cover hanger without using electric tools or additional fasteners.