Asymmetrical Thermal Break for Fenestration Frame
Solution Overview
Problem
Fenestration units face challenges in resisting temperature changes between the inside and outside environments, leading to heat transfer and energy inefficiency, particularly during winter months when heat loss occurs.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a thermal break system within the fenestration unit, featuring thermally insulating materials like polyamide, polyurethane, or fiberglass, which are asymmetrical about an X-Y plane, coupled to the frame and panel to reduce heat transfer and natural convection, thereby enhancing insulation and energy savings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a fenestration unit uses metallic frame and panel structures, then structural strength and durability are improved, but heat transfer and energy loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The metallic frame is segmented into multiple sections by inserting thermal breaks at different locations. The thermal break divides the continuous metallic structure into separate segments, interrupting the heat transfer path while maintaining structural integrity through the frame's overall configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
A thermal break material is introduced as an intermediary element between the metallic frame sections. This thermal break acts as a mediator that reduces thermal conduction through the frame while allowing the frame to maintain its structural function, effectively decoupling the strength and heat transfer issues.
2Loss of energy
If the thermal break is made with asymmetrical thermally insulating material, then heat transfer resistance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal break incorporates asymmetrical thermally insulating material configuration where the material distribution or geometric features differ across the thermal break structure. This asymmetry is designed to optimize heat transfer resistance in specific directions or at specific locations within the fenestration unit, addressing the directional heat flow patterns.
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 thermal break system effectively reduces heat loss during winter and heat gain during summer, improving insulation and leading to energy savings by minimizing heat transfer through the fenestration unit.
Implementation Method 1
the thermal break including a solid body of thermally insulating material defining a first side portion, a second side portion, and an intermediate portion between the first side portion and the second side portion
Implementation Method 2
The thermal break and/or thermal break system may reduce natural convention or heat transfer through the frame and/or panel
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods related to a fenestration unit are described herein. The fenestration unit may include a frame including a plurality of frame members, wherein the plurality of frame members includes an upper rail member, a lower rail member, a first stile member, a second stile member, the lower rail member including two parallel metallic extrusions a space defined therebetween and a thermal break coupled to the lower rail member and located within the space. The thermal break may include a solid body of thermally insulating material defining a first side portion, a second side portion, and an intermediate portion between the first side portion and the second side portion, the solid body of thermally insulating material being asymmetrical about an X-Y plane.