Wall Cladding Element with Ventilation Ducts for Moisture Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exterior facade systems in timber frame construction face challenges with thermal insulation, moisture regulation, and the formation of mold and algae, while also being costly and material-intensive, and often result in thermal bridges.
Innovation Solution
The development of wall cladding elements with a natural insulating layer and a diffusion-open protective layer, featuring ventilation ducts formed by spaced-apart webs and a cover layer with assembly connection units, allowing for efficient installation and effective moisture regulation without separate connection components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a vapor barrier is applied to the exterior facade insulation system, then moisture penetration is reduced, but effective moisture regulation is deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous insulation material with controlled permeability that allows moisture vapor to pass through while providing thermal insulation. This eliminates the need for separate vapor barriers and maintains moisture regulation by allowing the facade to breathe and equalize moisture levels naturally.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure combining the insulation layer with integrated vapor-permeable protective layers and ventilation channels. This multi-functional composite system simultaneously provides insulation, moisture regulation, and thermal bridge prevention without requiring additional vapor barrier materials.
2Temperature
If conventional insulated facade systems are used, then thermal insulation is provided, but thermal bridges between adjacent facade insulation elements occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the insulation function with the structural support function by integrating ventilation channels directly into the insulation layer structure. The support structures are thermally insulated continuations that extend through the insulation layer, eliminating thermal bridges at connection points between adjacent facade elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilation channels are nested within the insulation layer structure itself, with support structures embedded in the insulation material. This nested design ensures continuous thermal insulation paths that prevent thermal bridging while maintaining ventilation functionality.
3Reliability
If ventilated facades are installed to prevent condensation, then moisture regulation is improved, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The facade system is segmented into modular panels where each panel contains integrated ventilation channels and insulation structures. This segmentation allows for standardized manufacturing of individual panels that can be assembled on-site, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining effective ventilation and condensation prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulation layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: thermal insulation, structural support, ventilation channel formation, and moisture regulation. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying manufacturing while achieving effective condensation prevention through the integrated ventilation 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 provides improved thermal insulation, effective moisture regulation, and reduced risk of mold and algae formation, while simplifying installation and reducing material costs and thermal bridges, enabling the production of efficient and cost-effective rear-ventilated exterior facades.
Implementation Method 1
ventilated or ventilatable wall cladding system... to ensure moisture transport in general and to prevent condensation in particular
Implementation Method 2
a natural insulating layer and a diffusion-open protective layer
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a wall or roof cladding element comprising a1) at least one insulating layer with an outer and an opposing inner surface, a lower edge and an opposing upper edge, as well as a first side edge and an opposing second side edge, b1) a plurality of spaced-apart support structures which are an integral part of the insulating layer on their outer surface or which are connected to the insulating layer on their outer surface and which extend on their outer surface from or spaced apart from the lower edge of the insulating layer towards the upper edge, c1) at least one covering layer with an outer and an opposing inner surface, a lower edge and an opposing upper edge, as well as a first side edge and an opposing second side edge, which is connected to the plurality of spaced-apart support structures, and d1) a plurality of ventilation channels,formed by the spaced-apart support structures and the covering layer connected to these support structures, wherein the ventilation channels extend along the outer surface from or spaced from the lower edge of the insulation layer towards the upper edge, and wherein the ventilation channels have a first ventilation opening at or in the region of the lower edge of the insulation layer and a second ventilation opening at or in the region of the upper edge. Furthermore, the invention relates to a wall or roof cladding system according to the invention, comprising at least two adjacent wall or roof cladding elements. The invention also relates to a wall or a roof comprising at least one wall or roof cladding system according to the invention or at least two wall or roof cladding elements according to the invention.