Holeless Curtain Wall Mullion Connection

Abstract

A mullion connection system for resisting wind load reactions using a connection clip structurally engaged with a mullion without a hole or a fastener penetrating into the mullion surface. The connection clip can undergo stress-free vertical sliding relative to the mullion along the entire length of the mullion without impairing the structural connection strength; therefore, the building construction tolerance in the vertical direction is eliminated as a design consideration of the curtain wall system. The design also eliminates the need for pre-fabricating mullion holes for the connection locations. The design does not require the pre-determination of the elevation of the connecting point and thus is most beneficial for a curtain wall renovation project where the available locations in the building structure for structural connection cannot be determined prior to the demolition of the existing wall. The uninterrupted mullion tube cavities can be conveniently utilized for inter-floor distribution of utility lines.

1 . A mullion connection system providing a structural connection between a mullion and a building structural element comprising:
 a connection clip engaged with said mullion,   wherein said connection clip and said mullion are connected by a slidable engagement using at least one set of matching male and female joints, said slidable engagement having an engaged connection strength against wind load reaction,   wherein said slidable engagement provides up/down construction tolerance adjustability to place said connection clip at a final adjusted location for connection to said building structural element, and   wherein said engaged connection strength against wind load reaction is independent of the final adjusted location of said connection clip.   
     
     
         2 . The mullion connection system of  claim 1 , further comprising a structural bridge connected to said connection clip, wherein said structural bridge is connected to said building structural element. 
     
     
         3 . The mullion connection system of  claim 1 , further comprising a dead load block positioned in contact with the top end of said connection clip and secured to said mullion. 
     
     
         4 . The mullion connection system of  claim 1 , wherein said connection clip is engaged with said mullion without using a fastener penetrating said mullion. 
     
     
         5 . The mullion connection system of  claim 1 , wherein the vertical position of said connection clip relative to said mullion is adjustable to any location along the length of said mullion. 
     
     
         6 . The mullion connection system of  claim 1 , further comprising an uninterrupted mullion cavity. 
     
     
         7 . The mullion connection system of  claim 6 , further comprising utility lines distributed through said uninterrupted mullion cavity.