Cladding Attachment Structure for Thermal Bridging and Drainage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing construction methods require additional steps for installing continuous insulation on stud walls to prevent thermal bridging, which complicates the construction process and affects the aesthetic appeal of the exterior.
Innovation Solution
A system of elongated structures that secure cladding panels to construction elements, diverting fluid away from the panel joints, and eliminating the need for furring strips, while maintaining insulation efficiency and aesthetic appeal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If continuous insulation is installed on external sheathing to reduce thermal bridging, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but construction complexity increases due to additional steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the elongated structure with both cladding retention function and fluid diversion function into a single integrated component. The elongated structure is attached to the continuous insulation layer and simultaneously retains the cladding panel while diverting fluid away from the insulation, eliminating the need for separate furring strips and simplifying the construction process while maintaining thermal performance
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional cladding attachment methods are used, then installation is simple, but thermal bridging occurs through studs and wall plates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional stud-based vertical attachment to a horizontal attachment system using elongated structures positioned at multiple heights. The cladding panels are retained by these elongated structures that extend from the continuous insulation layer, creating a new dimensional approach that eliminates thermal bridging through studs while maintaining installation simplicity
3Shape
If cladding panels are installed close to construction elements, then aesthetic appeal is improved, but fluid trapped between panels and construction elements causes weatherproofing issues
Solution Approach 1:
The elongated structure serves as an intermediary component between the cladding panel and the continuous insulation layer. It provides a retention mechanism while incorporating fluid diversion features that channel trapped fluid away from the insulation layer, allowing the cladding to be installed close to the construction element for aesthetic purposes without compromising weatherproofing
Data Source
AI summary
A system that includes an elongated structure that secures adjacent cladding panels to a construction element and sheds at least 70% of fluid trapped between the cladding panels and the construction element. A system that includes an elongated structure that can include an upper receptor configured to receive a lower edge of a first cladding panel and secure the first cladding panel to the upper receptor, and a lower receptor configured to receive an upper edge of a second cladding panel and secure the second cladding panel to the lower receptor. A method that includes receiving a lower edge of a first cladding panel at an upper receptor of an elongated structure, receiving an upper edge of a second cladding panel at a lower receptor of the elongated structure, aligning first cladding panel with second cladding panel based on relative position of the upper receptor to the lower receptor.