Pivoting Suspended Tiles with Stop Mechanisms

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Solution Overview

Problem

In architectural structures with suspended tiles and gratings, the securing means can interfere with the rotation of tiles, causing them to become stuck against securing elements, especially under high wind conditions, leading to an uneven aesthetic effect and potential functional issues.

Innovation Solution

The tiles are designed to pivot only within a limited range, with stop mechanisms such as wing clips, L-shaped fixing plates, or additional elements on the grating panel to prevent them from achieving a stable equilibrium position other than their suspended state, ensuring all tiles remain in their intended hanging position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If tiles are allowed to pivot freely on horizontal bars to create aesthetic rippling effect, then the aesthetic effect is improved, but tiles can become stuck against securing means under high wind conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic effectVSAvoidtile position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the rotational parameter of tiles by introducing stop mechanisms that limit the rotation angle. The tiles can still pivot within a controlled range (e.g., ±45 degrees) to maintain aesthetic rippling effect, but cannot rotate fully to become stuck against securing means. This parameter control resolves the contradiction between aesthetic movement and position stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces stop mechanisms (such as L-shaped fixing plates, wing clips, or additional grating elements) as intermediary elements between the tiles and the securing means. These intermediaries prevent direct contact between tiles and securing means that would cause tiles to become stuck, while still allowing controlled pivoting motion for aesthetic effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If securing means are installed to fix grating panels to building, then structural stability is improved, but securing means interfere with tile rotation and cause tiles to become stuck

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrating panel stabilityVSAvoidtile rotation freedom

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making the securing means have different properties in different locations. The securing means are designed with specific features (such as L-shaped profiles or positioned away from tile paths) that allow free rotation in most areas while providing stability. The local modification of securing means geometry enables both structural stability and tile rotation freedom.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the securing function by separating the structural securing role from the tile rotation path. Securing means are positioned or designed to secure the grating panel structurally without occupying the rotational path of tiles. This segmentation allows both functions to coexist without interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Object-affected harmful factors

If tiles can rotate extensively under high wind, then wind reduction function is improved, but tiles may assume unstable equilibrium positions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewind reductionVSAvoidtile equilibrium position

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-installing stop mechanisms that counteract the excessive rotation caused by high winds. Before tiles can rotate to unstable positions, the stop mechanisms engage and prevent further rotation. This preliminary constraint maintains tile stability while still allowing sufficient movement for wind reduction function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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

This solution maintains a uniform aesthetic effect and functional integrity by preventing tiles from becoming stuck, allowing them to return to their original hanging position, even under windy conditions, ensuring all tiles in a large array remain 'live' and functional.

Implementation Method 1

The metal tiles can swing, and the sequential swinging of tiles causes rippling, creating an aesthetic effect, for example when there are gusts of wind.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWind force: Wind

Implementation Method 2

said tiles cannot assume a position of stable equilibrium other than the position in which the tiles are suspended freely from said bars

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitational force: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS20240183151A1Architectural structure comprising pivoting suspended tiles

Publication Date: 2024.06.06 LANG & FULTON LTD

AI summary

An architectural structure comprises a grating panel (1), wherein said grating panel comprises securing means for securing said grating panel to a building or other structure, which when installed comprises substantially horizontal bars (8) and tiles (3) suspended from and pivotable on the axes of said horizontal bars, wherein said tiles cannot assume a position of stable equilibrium other than the position in which the tiles are suspended freely from said bars. The tiles may be part of tile assemblies, such that said tile assemblies comprise tile portions and locating portions which secure the tiles to the gratings.