BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Architectural wall panel systems, including both metal and composite
wall panel systems, have been used extensively for some time, primarily
in the commercial and industrial building markets. In recent years the
popularity of composite wall panel systems, in particular, has been
increasing steadily. There are a number of factors that may be credited
for the wide-spread and increased use of such wall panel systems. One
such factor is the high cost to construct commercial and industrial
buildings, which tend to be relatively large, from stone or brick. Wood is
not a suitable substitute due to the large loads the buildings supporting
structure must withstand. Another factor effecting the increased use of
metal and composite wall panel systems is the high durability of the
systems. Both the metals and composites used to make the panels for
wall panel systems are highly resistant to damage from sun, dirt,
moisture, fire, and many other environmental elements. Consequently,
the metal and composite wall panel systems have a long life, and may
require less maintenance than other alternative building materials and
systems.
Architectural wall panel systems can generally be placed into one of two
categories: face-sealed architectural panel systems or vented rain-screen
architectural panel systems. Face-sealed architectural panel systems
include those systems that have a sealant in both the horizontal and
vertical joints between adjacent wall panels. The sealants make the wall
panel system impermeable to air and water, and may include caulking,

gaskets, or other sealants with a similar function. Vented rain-screen
architectural panel systems are those systems designed to allow
permeability through the joints between adjacent wall panels. The
permeable joints allow for breathability and rapid pressure equalization
within the wall panel system to prevent pressure buildups behind the
wall panels.
Architectural wall panel systems have many advantages, as discussed
above, however, these systems may also present a number of challenges
and disadvantages. One such challenge is the thermal expansion and
contraction of the wall panels. The metal and composite materials most
commonly used in architectural wall panel systems are subject to
natural expansion and contraction due to changes in atmospheric
conditions, including heat and humidity. If a means of accommodating
this inherent thermal cycling is not provided in the attachment system of
the architectural wall panel system then the panels can become warped
and cracked, requiring repairing or replacement. Another challenge that
may be associated with architectural wall panel systems is directly
related to the first issue of thermal cycling, and relates to the
effectiveness of sealants used in joints between adjacent wall panels in
face-sealed architectural panel systems. Because the joints increase and
decrease in size during thermal cycling, sealants often become dislodged
and/or cracked and are thereafter ineffective at preventing the
infiltration of air and water. As a result, sealants used in face-sealed
architectural panel systems have proven disappointingly ineffective.

Another disadvantage associated with many architectural wall panel
systems is the complexity of the system, including the number of pieces
and parts needed and the extensive time and labour required to install
the complex system. In particular, where a form of attachment clips are
used to secure the wall panels to the substructure, each clip must
typically be fastened to the wall panel and to the substructure, either
directly or indirectly. This means that if an extremely high number of
fasteners are used, it results in a great deal of time and effort spent in
installation of the systems just to secure the clips to the panels prior to
attaching the panels to the structure.
A number of different attachment systems have been introduced and
employed in an attempt to overcome the challenges and alleviate the
disadvantages discussed above. One known attachment system includes
a plurality of locking members secured directly to, or formed integrally
with, the outer surface of the return flanges of wall panels. The locking
members secure the panel to a retaining member, which is itself secured
to a surface of a building structure. The locking members are shaped
such that they may be forced into a channel, but cannot be removed
from that channel, such as angled surfaces with an apex adjacent the
retaining member that resemble half of an arrowhead. The system may
also optionally provide a drainage channel to carry water and other
debris away from the surface of the building structure. While this
attachment system allows for more efficient installation of an
architectural wall panel system, it suffers from the disadvantage
mentioned above relating to thermal cycling of the wall panel system
because it does not allow for movement of the wall panels. In addition,

the attachment system suffers from a number of new disadvantages,
such as not providing adequate attachment strength to withstand some
natural weather conditions, and making it extremely difficult to repair or
replace installed wall panels as the locking members prevent the panel
from being removed from the retaining members.
Other known attachment systems for securing wall panels of an
architectural wall panel system to a building surface utilize some form of
an insert wedged between the two adjacent flanges of adjacent wall
panels, while the flanges are received in a channel. The insert is secured
between the two flanges by a fastener, and fits snugly there between to
provide a seal against water and air infiltration. The insert may be made
of an elastomeric material to allow for thermal expansion and contraction
of the wall panels. This system, however, uses a high number of parts,
and the thermal cycling of the system is limited by the small amount of
movement allowed by the elastomeric insert. Furthermore, the
elastomeric insert is subject to wear from the natural elements it will be
exposed to, and subject to failure due to these elements and repeated
expansion and contraction as a result of the thermal cycling of the wall
panel system.
Additional attempts at improved attachment systems have included
attachment systems utilizing variously shaped flanges extending along at
least one edge of the wall panel to facilitate attachment of the panel to a
building surface; attachment systems using rotatable retaining members
secured to the mounting surface that rotate between a first (narrow)

position designed to allow placement of the wall panels and a second
(broad) position extending into slots in the wall panel flange to secure the
panel in place, such as, for example, a T-shaped retaining member that
rotates about an axis parallel to the wall panel flanges; and attachment
systems having vents and filler strips which slide into grooves and are
positioned within the gaps between adjacent wall panels to provide a
watertight seal while allowing air flow there through. None of these
attachment systems has proven noticeably advantageous over
conventional attachment methods in providing a more efficient, reliable,
and practical means of attaching architectural wall panels to the surface
of a structure.
There is therefore a need for an improved architectural wall panel
system, and the present disclosure relates to wall panel attachment
systems. More particularly, the present disclosure pertains to methods of
attaching wall panels to exterior wall surfaces, specifically an improved
attachment system for attaching architectural wall panels, that alleviates
one or more of the disadvantages discussed herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure relates to wall panel attachment systems. More
particularly, the present disclosure pertains to methods of attaching wall
panels to exterior wall surfaces.

There are various problems with known aluminum composite panel
attachment systems. Conventionally, such systems have relied upon
adhesive or weather sealant to "seal" the aluminum panel from the
elements. However, under exposure to heat and cold and moisture, the
adhesive or silicone breaks down. This, in turn, compromises the
stability of the system and creates an undesirable appearance. Even
when such a seal is functional, there may be undesirable effects on the
aluminum composite panels as the interior environment can trap heat
which affects the panels, creating "oil-canning" or popping in response to
the pressure differential. In spite of such seals, such systems can also
trap moisture in the wall cavity, which results in oxidation of parts and
staining or deterioration of exterior wall surfaces.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This system is developed according to the rain screen principle. This
means that the wall cavity is vented, resulting in a temperature. This
system allows engineer to form ACP as tray and install system as clip
system. The system comprises of two profile say Profile "M" and Profile
"F". These two profile forms a locking system which restrict entry of air,
water, dust or any foreign particle.
The Male Female System for Aluminum composite panel includes a
plurality of wall panels. Each wall panel has an exterior flat surface and
at least two side surfaces bent generally perpendicularly to the exterior

flat surface. In this way, a hollow interior portion is defined. Preferably,
each wall panel comprises an aluminum composite material.
The objectives of this invention include the following items.
1. To eliminate the dependency of the sealing integrity of the shop and/or
field applied sealant lines for the watertight performance.
2. To prevent the interference between the facing panel and the perimeter
frame due to differential thermal movements.
3. To allow easy replacement of an individual facing panel.
4. To use the interior face of the assembled wall panel as the interior
finished wall surface.
5. To eliminate the accumulative thermal movement of the wall surface.
It will become obvious from the description of the preferred embodiments
that the objectives of this invention are accomplished by the design
features.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
FIG. 1 shows the horizontal view of the system
FIG 2. Shows the vertical view of the system

FIG. 3 shows the system with male female profile and its various parts
and the arrangement thereof. The fixing using mechanical screws is done
and rivets are used for tray shaping
FIG 4(a), (b) and (c) shows the description of profile, Profile 1 -
ALPL/P/211 and Male Female Profile ALPL/P/311 and ALPL/P/312 as
described herein
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A wall panel attachment system is provided herein. The wall panel
attachment system employs an extruded aluminum (or other metal)
attachment system for fastening a plurality of panels to a building
surface. The system's strength is enhanced by the use of an extruded
perimeter frame design which carries the dead load for the various
panels.
The Male Female-MF system for assembling Composite Panels on
ventilated facades is comprised of "M & F" 6063-T5 Aluminum alloy
profiles. It is a male/female system that is designed to save time in
assembling the facade. This system comprises of two profiles over which
the ready shaped trays are fixed:
Male profile: also known as MF-M profile.
Female profile: also known as MF-F profile.

The Male female-MF is a concealed fixing system which is versatile and is
assembled quickly and was studied specially in order to develop
ventilated facades for the Composite Panel with horizontal adjustment.
All of the substructure is made using 6063 T5 Aluminum profiles. The
substructure is made up of fixings in a double T shape with different
lengths in order to absorb all of the facade's irregularities.
The Composite Panel trays are fixed to the vertical mullions using profile
ref. MF-F which is made from Aluminum alloy 6063 T5 extruded profiles.
In continuation the order of assembly of the male-female-MF system is
explained:
1. Double T spacers for fixing the profile
to the facade. The Double T fixings join
the omega mullion to the vertical
parameter or the wall support and are
responsible for resolving the overhang
problems of the facade. They can be retaining or supporting.
2. Fitting the Omega. Profile omega is by
screwing to the double T fixings which
must be perfectly plum with the
adjustments the system allows. Given
that the mullions are not continuous,

special attention must be paid to the levelling of the sections
during the fixing on site. The first and last fixing must be fitted
at a maximum of 250 mm from the omega mullion profile ends.


3. "M" & "F" profiles. These profiles reinforce lengthwise the tray
both at the top as at the bottom. The
"F" profile is fitted to the top part and
has to have an adhesive neoprene tape
fitted in such a way that it surrounds
the profile vertical flange in order to
absorb possible play between the male
and the female which avoids noises
produced from vibrations. These
profiles are fixed to the trays with rivets.
4. The Composite Panel tray. Once the "F"
profile has been riveted to the tray to the
top part and the "M" profile to the lower
part it is taken to the facade. The work is
done in an ascending direction so that
each tray can rest over the previous one and is mechanically
fixed at the top part by screwing the "F" profile to the omega
mullion.

Description about Profile
a. Profile 1 - ALPL/P/211. Profile is
made from Aluminum alloy 6063 T5
and is also called omega profile. This
profile will be screwed to the double T fixing so that they remain
perfectly plum with the adjustments that the system allows. These
profile will be put vertically and will bear the load of cladding
material. Diagram shows the typical installation and drawing of
profile(Dimensions are in millimetre (mm))
b. Profile 2 - ALPL/P/311. Profile is made from Aluminum alloy
6063 T5. This profile is also called Male profile which will be
connected to ACP tray at top position.
c. Profile 3 - ALPL/P/312. Profile is made from Aluminum alloy
6063 T5. This profile is also called Male profile which will be
connected to ACP tray at bottom position.
The above invention is hereinbefore described with reference to the
given diagrams, figures and description.

Claims
1. A Male Female rain screen Aluminum composite panel
system comprising the Male female-MF concealed fixing system
which is versatile and is assembled quickly and specially to develop
ventilated facades for the Composite Panel with horizontal
adjustment, the substructure is made comprising 6063 T5
Aluminum profiles comprising:
a. Profile 1 - ALPL/ P/ 211
b. Male Female Profile
i. "M" Profile - ALPL/P/311
ii. "F" Profile - ALPL/P/312
2. A Male Female rain screen Aluminum composite panel system as
claimed in claim 1 wherein in the M Profile ALPL/P/311 profile
made is to be connected to ACP tray at top position
3. A Male Female rain screen Aluminum composite panel system as
claimed in claim 1 wherein in the M Profile ALPL/P/312 the
profile is be connected to ACP tray at bottom position
4. A Male Female rain screen Aluminum composite panel system as
claimed in claim 1 wherein Double T spacers are present for fixing
the profile to the facade which can be retaining or supporting.

5. A male female Aluminum composite panel system comprising a
primary support comprising
a. Plurality of spaced apart
b. vertical support members secured with respect to backing
wall and adapted to support the load of the cladding wall and
transfer the same to said backing wall and
c. Plurality of horizontal runners adapted to be supported on
said vertical support members to define vertically spaced
apart runners with the spacing there between the runners
based on the vertical dimension of the strip comprising said
external cladding wall
d. Groove between ACP is left open and if any external item like
air, dust enters will be wiped out by water vertically.
e. "F" profile will be tied up with ACP and "M" profile will be
connected to Profile 1, and "M"-"F" will be locked.
6. The method for Male Female rain screen Aluminum composite
panel system as claimed in claim 1.
7. The Male Female rain screen Aluminum composite panel system
substantially as herein described and illustrated in the figure of
accompanying drawing.