Segmented Furring Strip Connector for Complex Wall Cladding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting furring strips struggle with joining strips of varying lengths, parallel placement, and adapting to complex shapes such as window towers or irregular surfaces, particularly in achieving precise spacing and angular adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A connecting element with a base plate and engagement parts featuring a groove system that allows for adjustable spacing and angular alignment of furring strips, made from injectable plastic or composite materials, enabling easy connection and adjustment of furring strips to form various angles and configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed connection methods are used for furring strips, then installation is simple, but adaptability to complex shapes and angular adjustments is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The connection element is divided into multiple independent engagement parts (at least two engagement parts), each capable of independently receiving and positioning furring strips. This segmentation allows each part to adapt to different positions and angles, enabling the connection element to accommodate complex shapes and irregular surfaces while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection element is designed with multiple engagement parts that can each receive furring strips in various orientations and positions. This multi-functional design allows a single connection element to handle multiple connection scenarios (parallel placement, angular connections, complex shapes) without requiring different specialized connectors for each case.
2Ease of operation
If rigid connection elements are used, then structural strength is high, but adjustability of spacing and angular alignment is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connection element incorporates a deformable portion that allows dynamic adjustment during installation. The engagement parts can be elastically deformed to accommodate furring strips at different positions and angles, then return to their original shape to provide secure holding. This dynamic characteristic enables spacing and angular adjustments while maintaining connection strength through elastic recovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection element utilizes elastic deformation as a parameter change mechanism. The material and geometry are designed so that the engagement parts can temporarily change their shape (deform) during the insertion and positioning of furring strips, then return to their original configuration to provide stable holding. This parameter change allows adjustability without compromising the overall structural strength.
3Productivity
If multiple separate connection elements are used for different connection types, then specialization is high, but device complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection element is designed as a universal component with at least two engagement parts that can handle various connection scenarios (parallel furring strips, angular connections, complex shapes) with a single standardized design. This eliminates the need for multiple specialized connection elements, reducing inventory complexity and installation time while maintaining the ability to adapt to different connection requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection element is segmented into multiple engagement parts within a single component, allowing each part to independently handle different furring strip configurations. This internal segmentation provides the functionality of multiple separate elements while maintaining a unified structure that simplifies installation and reduces the number of different component types needed.
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 easy and adjustable connection of furring strips, allowing for precise spacing and angular alignment, enhancing the ability to cover complex shapes and irregular surfaces while maintaining thermal and acoustic insulation.
Implementation Method 1
a portion opposite to said base plate of a dimension adapted to be contained at the rear of said ends, so that two furring strips can be connected which are either abutting, or arranged side by side and parallel, or arranged to form an angle
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The joining element has two identical engagement parts (2, 3) connected by a rigid support plate (0). The engagement parts have four fractions of pyramid arranged symmetrically around an axis. The pyramid fractions have constrictions (4, 5) for receiving return flanges (12, 13, 14, 15) of furring channels (10, 11), respectively. Portions (2p, 3p) opposite to the support plate have dimensions adapted to be set in the rear of the flanges. A thin line or a bend (6) is provided between the engagement parts. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a vertical, horizontal or inclined wall cladding having joining element (2) a method for abutment of two furring channels along a single direction.