Removable Clamping Glazing Frame for Dual-Side Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current curtain wall glazing systems face challenges in maintenance and replacement, particularly for large units, as the pre-determined access side during design limits access, making maintenance cumbersome and risky, especially for high-rise buildings where space for cranes is limited, and new technologies like e-IGUs require more frequent electrical component upgrades.
Innovation Solution
A glazing assembly with a frame structure featuring removable clamping parts that allow access from both sides, enabling maintenance and replacement of glazing units from either the exterior or interior, and facilitating the replacement of peripheral gaskets without removing the glass unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed frame structure with predetermined access side is used, then the structural integrity and simplicity of the curtain wall system is maintained, but maintenance access and replacement operations become limited and risky
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure is segmented into fixed structural portions and removable clamping portions. The removable clamping portions can be detached to provide access to the glazing unit from either side, while the fixed structural portions maintain the overall structural integrity. This segmentation allows the system to adapt between structural stability and maintenance accessibility as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure transitions from a static fixed configuration to a dynamic system where clamping portions can be removed and repositioned. This dynamic capability allows the same frame structure to serve different functions: providing structural support when clamping portions are attached, and enabling maintenance access when they are removed, thus resolving the contradiction between structural integrity and maintenance ease.
2Area of stationary object
If large glazing units are used to maximize building surface area, then the aesthetic appearance and daylight penetration are improved, but maintenance and replacement operations become more difficult and risky
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure is divided into modular components with removable clamping portions that can be independently detached. This segmentation enables maintenance personnel to access large glazing units from either side of the building, making it possible to service even the largest glazing panels without requiring complex external access mechanisms or compromising structural integrity.
3Ease of repair
If accessible design is built into the frame structure, then maintenance operations become easier, but the structural frame becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure is segmented into essential structural portions and auxiliary clamping portions. The clamping portions are designed as simple, removable components that can be easily detached without affecting the overall structural integrity. This segmentation allows accessibility features to be added without significantly increasing the complexity of the fundamental structural frame.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the entire frame structure complex to provide access, the invention inverts the approach by keeping the frame simple and adding only the necessary removable clamping portions. The complexity is minimized by making access through the removal of specific components rather than through a complex integrated system.
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed glazing systems are used, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but electrical component upgrades for new technologies become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure is segmented to allow removal of clamping portions, providing access to electrical components integrated with the glazing units. This enables easy replacement of electrical components such as those in e-IGUs without requiring complex disassembly of the entire frame structure, thus supporting adaptability to new technologies while maintaining structural simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A glazing assembly for a curtain wall glazing system comprising a glazing unit and a frame structure formed by a plurality of glazing profiles. Each of the plurality of glazing profiles comprises a main structural frame part and a removable clamping part. The removable clamping parts when removed from the structural frame parts unclamp the glazing unit and open a clearance allowing removal of the glazing unit in a direction of a first area. At least one of the main structural frame parts comprises a structural portion and a mobile clamping portion. When removing the mobile clamping portion from the structural frame portions a clearance is opened allowing the performance of maintenance activities to an edge region of the glazing unit from the second area.