Sheet Metal Framework for Glass External Wall Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing external wall units with glass panes have complex and expensive support structures and fastening means, which are multipart and require special manufacturing processes, making them costly and difficult to integrate with other external wall elements.
Innovation Solution
An external wall unit comprising a glass pane with a framework structure made entirely of thin sheet metal, attached directly to the building framework without separate fastening parts, using a groove joint or tongue-and-groove joint for coupling, allowing for simplified manufacturing and integration with other wall elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional support structures and fastening means are used, then the external wall unit can be securely fastened to the building framework, but the structure becomes complex and expensive requiring special manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the support structure and fastening means into a single integrated framework structure made from one piece of sheet metal. The framework includes both load-bearing support elements and fastening elements (such as flanges with holes) as integral parts, eliminating the need for separate fastening components and reducing overall complexity while maintaining secure attachment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The framework structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the glass pane, acts as a mounting structure for fastening to the building framework, and includes integrated fastening elements. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized fastening parts, reducing the number of components and simplifying the overall structure.
2Reliability
If traditional support structures are used, then the external wall unit can be securely fastened, but separate fastening parts must be manufactured and installed increasing cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure and fastening means are merged into a single integral framework made from one piece of sheet metal through cutting and folding operations. This eliminates the need to manufacture and assemble separate fastening parts, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process while ensuring reliable fastening through the integrated design.
3Strength
If special framework structures are used for external glass wall elements, then the glass panes can be properly supported, but the structures differ from closed external wall elements requiring different manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 1:
The framework structure is designed with a universal geometry that can serve both external glass wall elements and closed external wall elements. By using the same basic framework design for both types of elements, the patent enables standardized manufacturing processes and facilitates easy integration between glass and closed wall sections, while the framework still provides adequate support for the glass panes through its structural design.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an external wall unit (1) comprising at least one glass pane element (2) having an outer surface (4) constituting an external wall, and an inner surface (6), and a framework structure (8) made from a metal sheet and fastened to the inner surface (6) of the glass pane element (2) by gluing for attaching the external wall unit (1) to a body of a building or a structure. In accordance with the invention, the framework structure (8) is arranged to be directly fastened to a body structure of the building or the structure.