Building Panel Assembly with Tensioned Sheet Members for Fire Safety
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing panel assemblies for buildings face challenges such as complexity in insulation, deformation due to heat, and fire risk in vented facades, as well as limitations and difficulties in installing solar panels on building roofs.
Innovation Solution
A panel assembly comprising two sheet members with edge portions that engage to apply outward forces, tensioning the central part, and a mounting assembly with adjustable brackets and a ventilation strip that expands when heated to close air passages, enhancing installation efficiency and fire safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If vented facades are used to allow air circulation, then cooling effect is improved, but fire risk increases due to fire travelling up between the outer surface and the façade
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the ventilation function from the facade system by providing a continuous fire barrier that blocks air circulation between the outer cladding and the building envelope, thereby eliminating the fire risk while maintaining thermal performance through alternative means
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of air circulation (which enables fire spread) into a beneficial fire barrier system that actively prevents fire propagation, while the removed air space is utilized for insulation purposes
2Area of stationary object
If panel assemblies are applied to multi-storey buildings, then building envelope coverage is achieved, but complexity in insulation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the insulation function directly into the facade panel assembly by providing insulation material within the cavity formed by the overlapping panels, eliminating the need for separate insulation layers and simplifying the overall building envelope system
Solution Approach 2:
The facade panel assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: structural cladding, thermal insulation, and fire barrier, thereby reducing the number of separate components needed and simplifying the insulation system
3Adaptability or versatility
If known assemblies are used to mount solar panels on building roofs, then solar panel installation is achieved, but installation is difficult and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into modular components including adjustable brackets and positioning elements that can be independently assembled and configured, enabling rapid installation without complex assembly procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting assembly incorporates adjustable and movable components that can be easily positioned and secured at different locations, allowing flexible adaptation to various roof configurations while maintaining quick installation
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 improves insulation, reduces fire risk, and simplifies the installation of solar panels by tensioning the central sheet member and providing adjustable mounting and ventilation features, addressing the limitations of existing assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
a strip extending between the members adjacent lower portions of the panels so as to extend between the panels and the wall and to at least substantially close said cavity at a lower portion of the cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A panel (assembly) having an inner panel member (sheet) and an outer panel member (sheet), with the member being secured to the member so that the member applies an outward force to the first member.