Bracket Insulation Layer Thermal Break
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building cladding systems face inefficiencies in thermal insulation due to thermal bridges formed by steel sub-frames and mounting brackets, which reduce the effectiveness of insulation materials and are susceptible to fire damage, compromising structural integrity and secure attachment.
Innovation Solution
A bracket with an insulation layer attached to its contact face, featuring a thermal conductivity of less than 0.09 W/(m·K) at 10 °C, designed to reduce heat transfer between the cladding layer and the building wall structure, and incorporating fire retardant components to enhance fire resistance and maintain structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If steel sub-frames and mounting brackets are used to support cladding panels, then structural strength and secure attachment are improved, but thermal bridges are formed that reduce insulation effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate insulation layer between the steel bracket foot and the structural element (cover board/plaster board). This intermediary insulation layer acts as a thermal break that prevents direct thermal conduction through the bracket assembly, thereby reducing thermal bridge effects while maintaining the structural support function of the steel components.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket assembly combines different materials with complementary properties: steel for structural strength, insulation material (such as foam or fibrous materials) for thermal resistance, and potentially fire-retardant treatments. This composite approach allows the system to simultaneously achieve high strength and low thermal conductivity.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional mounting brackets are used, then ease of manufacture and installation are improved, but susceptibility to fire damage increases which compromises structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the bracket assembly by adding insulation layers and fire-retardant treatments, changing the thermal and fire-resistance parameters of the original steel bracket design. These parameter changes enable the system to withstand fire exposure while maintaining structural integrity, without fundamentally altering the basic bracket manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulation layer is positioned beforehand between the steel bracket and the structural element to provide thermal and fire protection. This pre-positioned insulation layer acts as a protective barrier that cushions the structural components from fire damage before the fire can compromise the steel bracket's structural integrity.
3Loss of energy
If insulation material is placed between cladding and inner leaf components, then thermal insulation is improved, but the air gap ventilation effectiveness is reduced due to thermal bridges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies insulation material specifically at the bracket-foot-to-structural-element interface, rather than uniformly across the entire cavity. This localized insulation approach targets the specific thermal bridge pathway created by the bracket assembly, providing thermal resistance where most needed while preserving the overall ventilation pathway for the air gap system.
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 effectively enhances thermal isolation, reduces the risk of fire damage, and maintains structural integrity by minimizing heat transfer and incorporating fire-resistant materials, thereby improving the overall performance of the cladding system.
Implementation Method 1
an insulation layer attached to a contact face of a foot part of the bracket in which the insulation layer comprises a conductivity of less than 0.09 W/(m·K) at 10°C
Data Source
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AI summary
A bracket to form part of an external panel based cladding system that enhances the thermal isolation between an external cladding layer and an external wall components of a building. In particular the bracket comprises an insulation layer attached to a contact face of a foot part of the bracket in which the insulation layer comprises a conductivity of less than 0.09 W/(m·K). The present bracket is suitable to support external cladding layers as part of cladding system and is attachable to structural boards and timber. The present bracket is also suitable to form part of a steel framing system (SFS).