Aerogel Composite Architectural Membrane for Thermal Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for architectural membranes that offer improved light transmission, thermal insulation, acoustic properties, and UV reflectance while maintaining design flexibility and energy conservation, which existing membranes do not adequately provide.
Innovation Solution
A tensioned architectural membrane structure comprising a hydrophobic aerogel composite with a first and second layer, and one or more insert layers, where the aerogel is present in a monolithic, blanket, mat, or particulate form, allowing for improved properties such as increased strength, wear resistance, and insulating capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional woven Teflon-coated fiberglass fabrics are used for architectural membranes, then structural strength and durability are achieved, but light transmission and thermal insulation properties are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining aerogel particles with a polymer matrix to create a hybrid insulation layer. This composite structure integrates the high strength of the polymer with the exceptional thermal insulation properties of aerogel, achieving both structural integrity and energy efficiency in a single material system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes porous materials by incorporating aerogel particles into the membrane structure. Aerogel's highly porous structure with air pockets trapped in its network provides superior thermal insulation while maintaining a lightweight composition, directly addressing the thermal insulation deficiency of traditional solid fabrics.
2Illumination intensity
If architectural membranes are designed for light transmission, then transparency and natural lighting are improved, but thermal insulation and UV protection deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a multi-layer membrane structure where different layers perform different functions. The aerogel-containing layer specifically addresses UV protection and thermal insulation, while other layers can be optimized for light transmission, allowing each part of the system to excel at its designated function without compromising overall performance.
3Use of energy by moving object
If multi-layer insulation structures are added to architectural membranes, then thermal insulation and acoustic properties are improved, but structural complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated layer by incorporating aerogel particles directly into the polymer matrix. This consolidation combines structural support, thermal insulation, and acoustic dampening properties in one material system, eliminating the need for separate insulation layers and reducing overall structural 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
The solution enhances the structural integrity and performance of architectural membranes by providing better light transmission, thermal insulation, and acoustic properties, while maintaining flexibility and energy conservation, thus addressing the existing gaps in existing membrane technologies.
Implementation Method 1
aerogel is hydrophobic and is present in an aerogel composite, in a monolith, blanket, mat, sheet or particulate form
Implementation Method 2
the aerogel is hydrophobic
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
An architectural membrane structure preferably includes an aerogel material disposed, for example, between two outer layers. The aerogel can be in monolithic or granular form or can be present in an aerogel composite. A method for manufacturing an architectural membrane structure includes securing an insert, e.g., an aerogel blanket, composite or granular aerogel, between a first and second layer. The architectural membrane structure can be used as a tensioned panel in envelopes such as roofing, overhangs, canopies or in other architectural or structural fabric applications.