Double-Glazed Facade Venting With a Breathable Membrane
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building façade ventilation systems are complex, maintenance-intensive, and vulnerable to contamination, with control mechanisms requiring frequent cleaning and prone to condensation due to temperature fluctuations.
Innovation Solution
A building façade element with a frame separating outer and inner glazing, featuring a ventilation opening with a breathable membrane that allows permanent ventilation and prevents contamination, using a composite material with specific water vapor and air permeability properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a control mechanism with opening/closing ventilation is used, then condensation can be prevented, but the structure becomes complex and maintenance-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the control mechanism entirely from the ventilation system. Instead of using an opening/closing shutter system, the invention employs a permanently open ventilation opening that allows continuous air flow through the intermediate space, thereby preventing condensation without requiring any moving parts or control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilation system operates autonomously without external control. The breathable membrane automatically regulates air and vapor passage based on pressure differentials and humidity gradients, eliminating the need for motors, sensors, or manual operation while maintaining effective condensation prevention.
2Reliability
If a ventilation opening is opened to ventilate the space, then condensation is prevented, but dirt can enter the space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a breathable membrane made of porous material with specific pore size and distribution. This membrane allows air molecules and water vapor to pass through while blocking larger particulate matter such as dust and dirt. The porous structure enables selective permeability based on particle size, maintaining ventilation effectiveness while preventing contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The breathable membrane is constructed as a composite material combining hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties. The composite structure features a hydrophobic outer layer that repels liquid water and particulates, while an inner hydrophilic layer allows water vapor transmission. This composite design simultaneously achieves contamination prevention and effective ventilation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a breathable membrane is used, then contamination is prevented, but the membrane requires specific manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies optimal ranges for membrane parameters rather than exact values, allowing manufacturing flexibility. The breathable membrane is designed with pore sizes in a specific range (0.08-100 μm) and water vapor transmission rates within defined boundaries (35,000-65,000 g/m²/24h). These parameter ranges accommodate normal manufacturing variations while ensuring functional performance.
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 system provides efficient, permanent ventilation that prevents condensation and contamination, eliminating the need for control mechanisms and reducing maintenance, while ensuring optimal insulation and sun protection.
Implementation Method 1
a breathable membrane that allows permanent ventilation and prevents contamination
Implementation Method 2
the breathable membrane has a water vapor transmission rate in a range of 35,000 to 65,000 g/m2/24h
Implementation Method 3
The breathable membrane has an air permeability of ≥ 10 L/m2
Implementation Method 4
The breathable membrane has an average pore diameter in a range of 0.08 to 100 μm
Implementation Method 5
The breathable membrane is water-repellent, with a water column of at least 5 m
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Building facade element (1) with a frame (5) in which an outer glazing (3) and an inner glazing (4) are arranged, wherein the outer glazing (3) and the inner glazing (4) are spaced apart from each other in such a way that a space (2) is formed between them, wherein the space (2) is permanently connected to the outside air via a ventilation opening (51), and wherein the ventilation opening (51) is provided with a breathable membrane (62).