Cantilever Beam Attachment Device for Thermal Bridge Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for attaching balconies or conservatories to existing buildings without supports are complex, often result in thermal bridges, and require significant effort for readjustment due to sagging structures, which is disadvantageous for energy efficiency and sustainability.

Innovation Solution

A device for the support-free attachment of a projecting supporting beam to a building, utilizing a first fastening arrangement through the building wall and ceiling, and a second fastening arrangement in the supporting beam, allowing for horizontal force transfer and vertical force absorption, with adjustable components to maintain structural alignment and minimize thermal bridging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If support-free attachment methods are used for balconies or conservatories on existing buildings, then structural integrity and load transfer are achieved, but thermal bridges are created leading to energy loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidthermal bridge
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces thermal insulation elements as intermediary components between the supporting beam and the building structure. These insulation elements act as mediators that maintain the structural connection while preventing direct thermal contact, thus resolving the contradiction between achieving structural integrity and avoiding thermal bridges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment device is divided into separate functional components: structural elements for load transfer and insulation elements for thermal protection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling the beam to be securely attached while minimizing thermal bridging through the insulation layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If complex attachment constructions are used for support-free balconies, then structural stability is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidattachment construction
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components. The attachment device merges structural support, load transfer, and thermal insulation functions into a unified system, reducing the number of separate parts and simplifying the overall construction while maintaining structural stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The supporting beam and attachment device are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing structural support, transferring loads to the building, and incorporating insulation elements to prevent thermal bridges. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If support-free cantilevered structures are attached to buildings, then architectural freedom is achieved, but the free end sinks over time requiring readjustment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearchitectural freedomVSAvoidreadjustment effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates adjustable components that allow for dynamic adaptation of the supporting beam position. The connection elements include adjustment mechanisms that enable the beam to be repositioned and readjusted after installation, compensating for sagging over time while maintaining the support-free architectural design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment device includes adjustable parameters such as connection point positions and beam angles that can be modified to correct sagging. By changing these parameters, the beam can be readjusted to its original alignment without requiring complex structural modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2354344B1Device for attaching a structural cantileverd beam to a building
Publication Date: 2015.09.23 THOMAS SA
  • EP2354344B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2354344B1 patent drawingFigure 3~7
  • EP2354344B1 patent drawingFigure 8~12

AI summary

The device has an attachment arrangement and a retaining element (10) that extend through a building wall (W) and fastened to or in a building ceiling (D) by the attachment arrangement. Another attachment arrangement is positioned in a recess in a girder (B) in sections for fastening another retaining element (20) or the former retaining element. A support arrangement (30a) is positioned in a recess in the building wall in sections. Lateral attachment sections (11a) are arranged in a longitudinal direction of one of the retaining elements.