Pre-Glazed Window Wall Assembly for Fastener-Free Interior Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window wall systems are costly and require complex installation processes, particularly due to the need for mechanical fasteners and external installation of glazing units.
Innovation Solution
A window wall system with vertically pivotable glazing units that utilize a sill-to-sill flashing interlocking engagement, temporary spring clips at the head, and a mullion filler at the last bay jamb, allowing for pre-glazed units to be installed from the interior of the building without mechanical fasteners, using hooks and spring clips for alignment and retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mechanical fasteners and external installation methods are used, then structural strength and reliability are improved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes mechanical fasteners from the installation system, extracting the fastening function and replacing it with a gravity-based retention mechanism. The glazing unit is installed without screws, bolts, or clips, eliminating the need for these components while maintaining structural integrity through the recessive engagement design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical fastening system with a gravity-based retention system. Instead of using mechanical fasteners to secure the glazing unit, the system relies on gravitational force to hold the unit in place within the recessive space between floor slabs, substituting mechanical complexity with a simpler physical principle.
2Reliability
If mechanical fasteners are used to secure glazing units, then installation reliability is improved, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The glazing units are pre-assembled with their retention features integrated into the unit structure itself, rather than requiring on-site assembly with fasteners. The recessive engagement mechanism is built into the design, allowing for rapid installation by simply positioning the unit into place where gravity provides automatic retention.
3Manufacturing precision
If external installation of glazing units is required, then proper positioning and alignment are achieved, but installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of installing glazing units from the exterior of the building and working inward, the patent inverts the installation approach by installing units from the interior space upward between floor slabs. This reversal allows workers to access the installation area from within the building, eliminating the need for external scaffolding or crane operations while maintaining positioning accuracy through the recessive engagement design.
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
Facilitates quick and cost-effective installation of pre-glazed units by eliminating the need for external installation and mechanical fasteners, enhancing safety and stability against wind loads.
Implementation Method 1
the spring clip provides a spring-loaded biasing member configured to locate a pocket when the glazing unit reaches the vertical orientation, and wherein the spring-loaded biasing member engages an obstruction within the pocket that prevent the head from exiting the head receptor
Data Source
AI summary
A window wall system includes a first glazing unit arranged adjacent a first vertical wall substrate, a second glazing unit arranged adjacent a second vertical wall substrate opposite the first vertical wall substrate, one or more third glazing units extending laterally between the first and second glazing units, and a jamb filler operatively coupled to the second glazing unit and interposing the second glazing unit and the second vertical wall substrate.