Removable Clamping Profile for Flush Facade Wall Element Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing support systems for wall elements are prone to soiling and damage during construction, and they complicate the installation and replacement of heavy and fragile components like laminated glass panes, especially when aiming for flush facades and adapting to changing building functionalities.

Innovation Solution

A support system featuring a U-shaped frame with a removable clamping profile that allows easy attachment and detachment of wall elements, including laminated glass panes, windows, and solar panels, with a thermally insulating L-shaped intermediate piece and M-shaped clamping profile for drainage and ventilation, enabling safe and efficient installation and replacement without damaging the facade or floor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If wall elements are inserted into support systems before facade completion, then wall elements are protected from soiling and damage during construction, but the support system becomes visible and disrupts the flush facade design

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from soiling and damageVSAvoidflush facade appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping profile is extracted as a separate, removable component that can be taken out after facade completion. This allows the support system to be hidden while maintaining protection during construction. The clamping profile is removed and the wall element is inserted directly into the frame, achieving both protection and flush facade appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping profile is designed as a dynamic component that changes state from attached to removed. During construction, it provides protection and structural support; after completion, it is removed to allow the wall element to be inserted and the facade to achieve its flush appearance. This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction between protection and aesthetics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If heavy and fragile wall elements like laminated glass panes are installed, then functional requirements are met, but installation and replacement become complex and risky

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional requirementsVSAvoidinstallation and replacement ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support system is segmented into modular components: the frame structure and the removable clamping profile. This segmentation allows for safe handling and installation of heavy wall elements, as the frame provides structural support while the clamping profile can be easily attached or removed without moving the entire assembly. Replacement becomes simple by just removing the clamping profile and inserting the new element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping profile acts as an intermediary component between the frame and the wall element. It provides a secure connection mechanism that simplifies installation and replacement operations. The clamping profile can be easily attached to the frame and then used to secure the wall element, making the process safer and easier compared to direct installation methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Shape

If the carrier system is covered by the facade to be invisible, then aesthetic requirements are met, but access for installation and replacement of wall elements becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinvisible carrier systemVSAvoidaccess for installation
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping profile is extracted as a separate accessible component that can be easily removed from the facade. This allows the carrier system to remain mostly hidden while providing easy access for installation and replacement operations. The clamping profile can be detached without disturbing the facade, enabling maintenance activities while maintaining the aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Adaptability or versatility

If wall elements are replaced to adapt to changed building functionalities, then building adaptability is improved, but installation time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebuilding functionality adaptationVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The support system is divided into modular components with the clamping profile being easily detachable. This segmentation enables quick replacement of wall elements to adapt to changing building functionalities. The frame remains in place while only the clamping profile and wall element need to be swapped, significantly reducing installation time compared to replacing entire assemblies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping profile is designed as a dynamic, easily detachable component that allows for quick changes in wall element configuration. This dynamic design enables rapid adaptation to new building functionalities by simply removing the old clamping profile and inserting a new one, minimizing the time required for replacements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

The system ensures the wall elements are installed safely and with minimal risk of damage, maintaining a clean and undamaged facade during construction, and allows for easy adaptation to changed functionalities and design options across multiple floors, including terrace and balcony areas with enhanced water protection.

Implementation Method 1

The L-shaped intermediate piece is expediently made of a thermally insulating material, so that good thermal separation is achieved between the interior and exterior of the frame and the foot area of the wall element is designed to be condensation-free.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP2157269B1Holder system for wall and supplemental elements
Publication Date: 2018.05.30 JOSKO FENSTER & TUREN
  • EP2157269B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2157269B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2157269B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The holder system has a frame including a U-shaped region for receiving multiple wall elements (5), where the U-shaped region is formed by a profiled part (1) and an M-shaped clamping profile (7). The M-shaped clamping profile is attached to a lower side of the frame and is removed after end of mounting process of the wall element. The clamping profile protrudes into a drainage channel and is covered by a window sill (6). An L-shaped intermediate piece (2) is inserted between the profiled part and the clamping profile. An independent claim is also included for a method for mounting wall elements.