Thin Brick Panel and Tension Clip Assembly for Fast Wall Attachment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Laying bricks as non-load bearing elements in construction is expensive and time-consuming, and existing solutions do not adequately address these issues.
Innovation Solution
A thin brick panel system with a repetitive pattern of aligned peaks and valleys, using tension clips to secure bricks, which compress under weight and engage with adjacent ledges for secure attachment, and a ledge system that provides ventilation paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional brick laying methods are used, then structural integrity is achieved, but construction cost and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the brick attachment function into multiple components: support panels provide structural support, tension clips secure individual bricks, and ledges position bricks accurately. This segmentation allows parallel installation of multiple bricks simultaneously, dramatically increasing construction speed while maintaining structural integrity through the distributed attachment system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces tension clips as intermediary elements between bricks and support panels. These clips compress under brick weight to create secure mechanical engagement, enabling rapid attachment without traditional mortar processes. The intermediary clips maintain reliability while reducing installation time and material costs.
2Reliability
If traditional mortar-based brick attachment is used, then secure bonding is achieved, but construction time and labor cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical bonding system (mortar) with a mechanical attachment system consisting of support panels and tension clips. The clips compress under brick weight to create secure mechanical engagement, eliminating the need for mortar curing time and reducing labor-intensive application processes while maintaining bonding strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The support panels are pre-installed with ledges positioned at precise intervals before brick installation. This preliminary action eliminates the need for measurement and positioning during brick laying, allowing workers to simply attach bricks to pre-positioned ledges, thereby reducing construction time while ensuring secure bonding.
3Area of stationary object
If dense brick arrangement is used, then structural coverage is improved, but ventilation capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The wall assembly is segmented into discrete brick units attached to support panels with gaps between them. This segmentation allows full ventilation flow through the wall structure while maintaining complete surface coverage with bricks. The tension clip attachment system enables this spaced arrangement while securing bricks firmly, resolving the contradiction between coverage and ventilation.
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
Reduces cost and time while providing superior performance by allowing efficient brick attachment and enhancing ventilation, thus improving construction efficiency and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
each tension clip compresses under the weight of the construction product, wherein the compressed tension clip forces the construction product into secure engagement with an upwardly adjacent ledge
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for securing a brick to a wall, including attaching a panel to the wall, the panel having: (a) a repetitive pattern of aligned peaks and valleys; and (b) a series of ledges associated with the valleys and configured such that at least a portion of each ledge extends beyond adjacent peaks of the aligned peaks and valleys. A tension clip is attached to a first ledge on the panel. The brick is secured to the panel by compressing the tension clip downward with the bottom of the brick, wherein the compressed tension clip forces the brick upward into secure engagement with an upwardly adjacent ledge.