Snap-Engage Cladding Panel Assembly for Drill-Free Accessory Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for fastening accessories to building cladding panels often require drilling, reducing panel resistance and solidity, and hinder thermal dilation due to locking mechanisms at connection points, while also being complex and requiring screws or bolts.
Innovation Solution
A connecting or fastening assembly comprising separate gripping and coupling components that snap-engage and are tightened using a fin-based mechanism, allowing assembly without drilling and accommodating thermal expansion, with optional grub screws for increased load-bearing capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If brackets lock the connection portion at the base to secure accessories, then the accessories are firmly attached, but the thermal dilation of the panels is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system transitions from a static locked connection to a dynamic adaptive connection. The gripping components maintain firm attachment while allowing controlled movement along the panel edges, enabling the connection to adapt to thermal expansion and contraction of the panels without compromising attachment firmness.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection parameters are designed to change with thermal conditions. The gripping mechanism maintains adequate engagement force across temperature variations, allowing the connection to remain firm while accommodating dimensional changes in the panels due to thermal dilation.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional bracket systems are used to connect accessories, then the accessories can be fastened, but the assembly process is complex and requires drilling and multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into integrated components. The gripping components combine attachment, positioning, and securing functions in a single element that engages with the panel edge. The tightening component integrates the fastening action, eliminating the need for separate drilling, bracket installation, and accessory mounting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping components are pre-configured to engage with the panel edges in a predetermined manner. The geometry of the gripping components is designed beforehand to automatically align and engage with the panel profile, eliminating the need for on-site drilling or complex alignment procedures during assembly.
3Reliability
If screws or bolts are used to fasten brackets to panels, then secure connection is achieved, but the process requires drilling which compromises panel integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The drilling operation is extracted from the fastening process. Instead of requiring holes to be drilled into the panel for screw insertion, the gripping components engage with the external surfaces and edges of the panel, completely removing the need for penetrative fastening methods while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping components serve as intermediaries that transfer the fastening load without requiring direct penetration of the panel. They engage with the panel edges and distribute the connection forces along the engaged surfaces, maintaining panel integrity while achieving reliable attachment of the accessory.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention regards an assembly for connecting or fastening accessories to building cladding panels or slabs comprising at least two gripping and coupling components (3) and at least one tightening and fastening component (4).