Cladding Tie Differential Movement and Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional metal masonry ties used in continuous insulation wall assemblies are prone to corrosion, cause thermal bridging, and require adhesive backing for insulation panels, leading to drainage issues and increased labor and material costs, while also being susceptible to buckling under compressive loads.
Innovation Solution
A cladding tie system comprising a base with a shaft and retainer assembly that allows differential in-plane movement, features a toothed shaft for secure engagement, and includes a resilient biasing member for centering and drainage gap creation, eliminating the need for adhesive backing and reducing buckling risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional metal masonry ties are used to connect cladding to backup wall, then structural support function is achieved, but thermal bridging occurs that reduces insulation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the metal tie material from the wall assembly by replacing it with an adhesive bonding system. The adhesive is applied directly to the backup wall surface, eliminating the need for metal ties that penetrate the continuous insulation and create thermal bridges. This extraction of the problematic metal component resolves the thermal bridging issue while maintaining structural support through adhesive bonding.
2Strength
If metal masonry ties are installed through continuous insulation, then cladding support is provided, but corrosion occurs due to exposure to moist environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the metal tie component entirely from the wall assembly and replaces it with an adhesive bonding system. By eliminating metal ties that are exposed to the moist wall cavity environment, the source of corrosion is removed. The adhesive material used is selected to be resistant to moisture and environmental degradation, providing reliable long-term performance without corrosion issues.
3Stability of the object's composition
If adhesive backing is used to hold insulation panels in place, then insulation positioning is achieved, but drainage is impeded and water becomes trapped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wall assembly into distinct functional layers with defined air gaps. The insulation panels are positioned using adhesive at specific locations rather than continuous adhesive coverage, creating space for air gaps and drainage pathways. This segmentation allows water to drain properly through the wall assembly while insulation remains securely positioned at key locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces air gaps as intermediary spaces between wall components. These air gaps serve as drainage pathways and prevent water trapping while allowing insulation panels to maintain positioning through strategic adhesive application. The air gaps act as mediators that enable both insulation stability and proper water drainage functionality.
4Ease of operation
If conventional metal ties are used, then installation is straightforward, but differential movement between cladding and backup wall causes structural issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a rigid metal tie system to a more dynamic adhesive bonding system that can accommodate differential movements. The adhesive material possesses viscoelastic properties that allow it to flex and deform with thermal expansion, moisture expansion, and seismic movements. This dynamic characteristic enables the system to absorb differential movements between cladding and backup wall without causing structural damage, while installation remains straightforward through adhesive application.
Data Source
AI summary
A cladding tie for providing a support connection between cladding and a vertical backup wall is disclosed. The tie has a base and a retainer assembly. The base has a shaft extending from a back plate. The retainer assembly has a retainer member, and a cladding connection member. The retainer member has a cladding connection member recess. The cladding connection member is movable relative to the retainer to permit differential movement between the cladding connection member and the retainer when the cladding connection member is connected to the retainer.