Wall Cladding Securing Element With Distributed Fitting Positions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wall cladding systems face challenges in accommodating varying tolerances and differences in thermal expansion, leading to laborious installation processes, especially when dealing with large discrepancies or irregularities in wall cladding elements.
Innovation Solution
The wall cladding system incorporates displaceable structure securing elements with multiple fitting elements arranged in a distributed manner, allowing for attachment at various positions, and click-fit connections using elastically displaceable ribs and slots, enabling smooth installation and compensation for large tolerances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a single fitting element is used to attach structure securing elements to the support structure, then the attachment position is fixed and precise, but the installation process becomes laborious when large tolerances or variations in wall cladding elements need to be compensated
Solution Approach 1:
The single fitting element is segmented into multiple fitting elements (first fitting element, second fitting element, etc.) arranged in a distributed manner along the first direction. This allows the structure securing element to be attached at multiple discrete positions, enabling compensation for tolerances and variations in wall cladding elements while maintaining precise attachment at each position.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a fixed single attachment position to a dynamic multi-position attachment system. The distributed fitting elements allow the attachment position to be adjusted dynamically based on the actual dimensions and tolerances of the wall cladding elements, making the installation process more flexible and easier to perform.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the structure securing element is made displaceable in the first direction to compensate for tolerances, then installation flexibility improves, but the displaceability is limited by friction and requires relatively large forces for displacement
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on a single displaceable connection that requires large forces, the system segments the attachment into multiple discrete fitting elements. This allows the installer to move the structure securing element to different discrete positions along the support structure, compensating for tolerances without requiring continuous displacement against friction.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple fitting elements act as intermediaries that facilitate the attachment process. Rather than forcing a single displaceable connection to accommodate large tolerances, the system provides multiple intermediate attachment positions that naturally accommodate the variations in wall cladding element dimensions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fitting elements are provided in a distributed manner, then the system can accommodate large tolerances and variations in wall cladding elements, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into multiple identical or similar fitting elements distributed along the first direction. While this increases the number of components, each fitting element remains relatively simple in design, maintaining ease of manufacture and assembly despite the increased quantity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each fitting element in the distributed arrangement serves the same universal function of attachment. This multi-functionality allows the system to accommodate various tolerance scenarios using the same basic component design, reducing the need for different specialized components and thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the fitting elements are arranged in a distributed manner along the first direction, then wall cladding elements of different dimensions can be attached, but the attachment positions become more numerous and require more alignment work
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting elements are pre-positioned in a distributed manner along the first direction during manufacturing of the structure securing element. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for precise alignment during installation, as the installer can simply select from the pre-positioned fitting elements that best accommodate the wall cladding element dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
Each fitting element is positioned at a specific location along the first direction to address local tolerance requirements. This local quality approach allows different sections of the support structure to have fitting elements positioned optimally for their specific tolerance patterns, reducing overall alignment complexity.
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
This solution facilitates flexible and efficient installation of wall cladding elements of different dimensions, allowing for easy compensation of large tolerances and thermal expansions, reducing installation complexity and ensuring secure attachment.
Implementation Method 1
the structure securing element and/or the cladding securing element are provided with elastically displaceable fitting elements for form-fitting mutual connection
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
Wall cladding (1), comprising: - a support structure (2); - wall cladding elements (3); - a structure securing element (4) which is attachable to the support structure (2), displaceable in a first direction (A); - for each wall cladding element (1), at least one cladding securing element (5); - wherein the structure securing element (4) and the cladding securing element (5) are provided with fitting elements (7, 8) for mutual attachment, displaceable in a second direction (B), - wherein several of said fitting elements (7) are arranged along the first direction (A) in a distributed manner with respect to each other, so that the structure securing element (4) and the cladding securing element (5) are attachable to each other in several respective fitting positions.