Adaptable Angular Profiles for Building Air Gap Barriers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air barrier and vapor barrier systems in buildings require extensive adjustment and tool-intensive installation, particularly in non-standard structures, as they are designed for fixed apertures between trusses or beams, making them inefficient for buildings with varying dimensions and difficult to install in hard-to-reach areas.

Innovation Solution

The system employs adaptable angular profiles with adhesive strips and fastening options that can be cut and bent to fit various construction elements, allowing for easy and quick installation of wind, air, and vapor barriers independently of the distance between trusses or beams, using materials like cardboard or plastic for the barrier elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If fixed-size cardboard plates with fold lines are used for air barriers, then the plates can be mounted against rafters to form air gaps, but extensive adjustment work is required for buildings with non-standard dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidadaptability to varying building dimensions
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The air barrier element incorporates an adjustable arm that can be positioned at different distances from the rafter, allowing the barrier to adapt to varying building dimensions. The arm is movable along the barrier body, enabling dynamic adjustment to fit non-standard aperture sizes while maintaining a sealed air gap.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The distance between the air barrier and the rafter can be varied by adjusting the arm position, changing the geometric parameters of the installation to accommodate different building standards and aperture sizes without requiring custom-sized plates for each scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If fixed aperture systems are used, then standardized plates can be manufactured, but extensive adjustment work and multiple width variants are needed for old buildings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestandardization of barrier elementsVSAvoidcomplexity of installation process
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single standardized air barrier design with an adjustable arm mechanism can serve multiple aperture sizes and building types, replacing the need for multiple fixed-size plate variants. The universal design maintains ease of manufacture while reducing installation complexity through its adaptability feature.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If traditional air barrier plates are used, then air gaps can be formed, but the installation requires extensive tools and adjustment work

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair sealing effectivenessVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The air barrier element is pre-assembled with the arm mechanism and sealing components in a standardized configuration, allowing for quick installation without extensive on-site adjustment work. The pre-configured design maintains reliable air sealing while significantly reducing installation time and tool requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Stability of the object's composition

If fixed-size plates are used to maintain predetermined distance from ceiling, then air gaps are formed, but the system cannot adapt to varying rafter spacings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconsistency of air gap distanceVSAvoidcompatibility with different rafter spacings
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustable arm enables the air barrier to dynamically adapt its position relative to the rafter while maintaining a consistent predetermined distance from the ceiling. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to work with varying rafter spacings while preserving the stability and consistency of the air gap distance for effective thermal insulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 provides a flexible and secure air sealing system that meets stringent airproofing regulations, reduces installation time and risk, and enhances structural stability by allowing for precise adaptation to building dimensions and easy access in hard-to-reach areas, ensuring an optimal air-tight finish with fewer joints and improved energy efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The profile itself can also be anchored to the rafters, studs or joists with suitable adhesive to ensure proper installation and function

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

Sealing strip/ adhesive strip will be able to ensure an airtight connection of joints between the angle and roll or plate or between two sheets or rolls of sealing material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing: Adhesive

Implementation Method 3

Angular profiles can also be attached with one or more fasteners or staples to the side of the beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP2547834B1Air gap barrier
Publication Date: 2018.03.28 ISOLA GESELLSCHAFT M B H
  • EP2547834B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2547834B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2547834B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The Invention concerns an arrangement for ventilation in buildings comprising air gap forming sealing elements, wherein the arrangement includes angular profiles of elongated mounting elements for mounting to the beam surfaces, roof trusses, joists or similar, between which air gaps are to be provided and a membrane that attaches to the mounting elements of the angular profiles in such a way that they form an essentially airtight surface suitable for restricting an air gap. Further, the invention concerns a procedure for the provision of an air gap in existing buildings, where you attach the angular profiles to the two side walls facing an aperture, after which air gap forming elements is fastened to angular profiles, such that a membrane between the side walls is formed.