Cladding Attachment System with Segmented Teeth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cladding attachment systems for continuous insulation in buildings face issues with thermal bridging, moisture deterioration, inadequate drainage, reliance on adhesive backing, and buckling under compressive loads, which affect thermal efficiency and installation costs.
Innovation Solution
A cladding attachment system comprising a base with an engaging wall and an attachment member, featuring a plurality of teeth for secure engagement, a gusset plate for load distribution, and a design that creates a gap for drainage, eliminating the need for adhesive backing and enhancing load-bearing capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If continuous insulation panels are installed in complete contact with the AB/WRB, then thermal efficiency is improved, but water drainage is impeded causing trapped water and accelerated deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation panel contact with AB/WRB is segmented rather than continuous, creating localized gaps that allow water drainage while maintaining overall thermal efficiency. The attachment system creates discrete drainage pathways through the insulation layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system acts as an intermediary element between the insulation panel and AB/WRB, creating a controlled gap that facilitates water drainage while allowing the insulation to remain effectively attached for thermal performance.
2Ease of manufacture
If adhesive backing is used to secure insulation panels, then installation simplicity is improved, but water drainage is impeded and additional material costs are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive backing is completely removed from the system. Instead of using adhesive to secure insulation panels, the attachment system mechanically retains panels through the created gap structure, eliminating the drainage impediment and material cost.
3Stability of the object's composition
If cladding attachment system is used without transferring compressive force to insulation, then insulation integrity is maintained, but buckling occurs under compressive loads
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system merges the functions of mechanical attachment and compressive load transfer. The same structural elements that attach the cladding also transfer compressive forces to the insulation, preventing buckling while maintaining integrity.
4Strength
If traditional Z-shaped metal attachment devices are used, then cladding attachment is achieved, but continuous thermal bridging occurs through the insulation
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous metal attachment is segmented into discrete attachment points that do not form a continuous thermal bridge. The attachment system uses isolated fastening points rather than continuous metal strips, breaking the thermal conduction path.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system introduces an intermediary structure that mechanically connects cladding to the support wall without creating a continuous thermal bridge. The gap-created attachment mechanism mediates between structural needs and thermal efficiency.
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 system reduces thermal bridging, facilitates water drainage, prevents buckling, and supports increased vertical loads while eliminating the need for adhesive backing, thereby improving thermal efficiency and reducing installation costs.
Implementation Method 1
The receiving wall comprises two interior walls adjacent the receiving channel. Each interior wall comprises a one or more receiving teeth that extend into the receiving channel to engage one or more of the base teeth to releasably join the attachment member to the base.
Implementation Method 2
The present inventor recognized the need for a cladding attachment system that creates a gap between the continuous insulation panels and AB/WRB. This gap facilitates drainage.
Implementation Method 3
Water can be trapped in the minute gap between the continuous insulation and AB/WRB due to capillary action.
Implementation Method 4
Continuous insulation panels are often installed with adhesive backing to ensure they stay in place.
Data Source
AI summary
Cladding attachment system is disclosed having a base and an attachment member. The base has an engaging wall extending from a back plate. A base gusset plate extends between the engaging wall and the back plate. The engaging wall has a plurality of base teeth. The back plate is configured to attach to a support wall. The attachment member has a receiving wall extending from a mounting plate. The receiving wall has a receiving channel configured to receive the engaging wall. The receiving wall has two interior walls and a gusset channel. Each interior wall comprises one or more receiving teeth extending into the receiving opening to engage one or more of the base teeth to releasably join the attachment member to the base. The mounting plate comprises a surface for supporting cladding.