Adjustable Cladding Support Structure With Thermal Breaks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building structures face significant thermal losses due to high thermal conductivity between cladding and substrate, and imperfections in the substrate surface lead to uneven cladding installation, which can compromise insulation and structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable support system comprising a base bracket member, clip members, and an outer bracket, which allows for uniform cladding installation by compensating for substrate imperfections and reducing thermal conductivity through polymer and fiber-reinforced components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If continuous metal connectors are used between substrate and cladding, then structural strength is improved, but thermal loss increases due to high thermal conductivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by combining metal connectors with thermal break elements (polymer or composite materials with lower thermal conductivity). This creates a hybrid structure that maintains structural strength while reducing thermal conduction paths between the substrate and cladding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces thermal break elements as intermediary components between the metal connectors and the cladding/substrate. These intermediaries act as thermal insulators that interrupt the direct thermal conduction path while still allowing mechanical connection.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid fixed support system is used, then structural stability is improved, but ability to accommodate substrate imperfections deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a rigid fixed support system to a dynamic adjustable system. The support members are designed to be positionable and adjustable, allowing them to adapt to varying substrate conditions while maintaining structural stability through controlled positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the support system into modular components (base bracket, support member, outer bracket) that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows each component to be positioned optimally to accommodate substrate imperfections while collectively providing structural stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable support system with multiple components is used, then adaptability to substrate imperfections is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs universal support components that perform multiple functions: mechanical connection, thermal breaking, and adjustment for substrate imperfections. The base bracket and outer bracket serve as both structural connectors and adjustment mechanisms, reducing the need for separate specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components. The support members integrate thermal break functionality with structural support and adjustment capabilities in single elements, reducing the overall number of separate parts while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable support system has a base bracket member, a clip member, and an outer bracket. The base bracket member has a first end wall that overlays a substrate, a body wall extending outwardly therefrom and a second end wall opposite the first end wall. The clip member has a base bracket member coupling, and a projecting arm. The base bracket member coupling is attached to the first end wall and overlies a portion of the body wall. The projecting arm is spaceable apart from the body wall. The outer bracket has a spanning wall with inner and outer sides. An outer end wall extends from the outer side. The spanning wall is slidably positionable between the body wall of the base bracket member and the at least one clip member, to sandwich the same. Wall assemblies and methods are likewise disclosed.