Window Cladding Profile System for Thermal Bridge Elimination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing carpentry cladding solutions for building renovation often require drilling through existing joinery, leading to thermal bridges and aesthetic issues, especially when trying to improve thermal and acoustic insulation without removing the existing joinery.

Innovation Solution

A cladding system comprising a profile system with an insulator and fasteners that cooperate with fixing means to attach to both the carpentry and support wall, allowing for installation without penetrating the frame, using profiled cooperation means and fasteners like screws or clips to secure the system, which can include mineral wool or synthetic insulation, and optionally a vapor barrier or heavy acoustic mass.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If drilling through the existing joinery frame is used to fix the cladding, then the cladding can be securely attached to the structure, but thermal bridges are created and aesthetic appearance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidthermal bridge
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary fixing mechanism consisting of fasteners that attach to the exterior surface of the frame without penetrating it. The profile system acts as a mediator between the cladding and the frame, distributing attachment forces across the surface while the insulator fills the space between the cladding and frame, eliminating thermal bridges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If drilling through the existing joinery frame is used to fix the cladding, then the cladding can be securely attached to the structure, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The profile system serves as an intermediary element that provides secure attachment through surface-mounted fasteners while maintaining the aesthetic integrity of the original frame. The profiled cooperation means allow for strong mechanical connection without visible drilling or penetration of the frame structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a profile system with insulator is used without penetrating the frame, then thermal bridges are avoided and aesthetics are preserved, but the attachment mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal bridgeVSAvoidfixing mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the profile system provides structural support and attachment points, the insulator provides thermal insulation, and the fasteners provide mechanical connection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while simplifying the overall assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of manufacture

If traditional cladding methods are used, then installation is simple, but thermal and acoustic insulation performance is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidinsulation performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cladding system uses composite construction combining the profile system (structural element), insulator (thermal and acoustic insulation material), and fasteners (attachment element). This composite structure achieves superior thermal and acoustic insulation performance while maintaining relatively simple installation through the modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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

This solution enhances thermal and acoustic insulation while avoiding thermal bridges and aesthetic issues, improving the tightness of the frame/sash junction and allowing for adaptation to various carpentry types without disturbing the existing structure during renovation.

Implementation Method 1

an insulator (11) distributed over the sections (10)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

the cabinet includes a heavy acoustic mass

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Data Source

PatentEP3575537B1Woodwork covering and method for implementing such a covering
Publication Date: 2023.01.18 IMEPSA
  • EP3575537B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2B
  • EP3575537B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~4
  • EP3575537B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a cladding (1) for a window or door frame (2) installed on a supporting wall (3), said cladding comprising: - a system of profiles (10); - insulation (11) held within said system of profiles; - a set of fasteners (12B, 12C) for attaching said system of profiles to the window or door frame (2) and to the supporting wall (3); characterized in that each of the profiles (10) has at least one means for cooperating with at least one means for securing the set of fasteners to fix the cladding (1) to the window or door frame (2) and to the supporting wall (3). The invention also relates to a method for installing the cladding (1) on the window or door frame (2) and the supporting wall (3).