Composite Window Bracket for Thermal Break and Corrosion Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional metal wall and roof assemblies experience reduced warranties and life cycles due to thermal cycling-induced damage and corrosion from metal-to-metal contact, which leads to thermal bridging and heat conductivity issues.
Innovation Solution
A composite window bracket made of resin and fibers, such as glass, carbon, cellulose, or aramid fibers, is designed to provide a thermal break by avoiding direct metal-to-metal contact, using pultruded composite materials with accessory members and intumescent materials to support windows and reduce thermal conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal anchors and fasteners are used to provide structural support, then the structural integrity is improved, but thermal bridging increases and thermal efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a composite bracket as an intermediary component between metal structural elements. This bracket is made from non-metallic, thermally insulating materials that mechanically connect structural components while breaking the thermal conduction path. The composite bracket serves as a mediator that provides structural support without creating thermal bridges, thus maintaining both structural integrity and thermal efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials consisting of non-metallic components (such as polymers, plastics, or other insulating materials) to create brackets that provide structural support while having low thermal conductivity. These composite brackets replace traditional metal fasteners and anchors, thereby eliminating metal-to-metal contact and the associated thermal bridging while maintaining the necessary mechanical strength for structural connection.
2Strength
If metal components are used for window installation, then the structural support is improved, but corrosion resistance deteriorates due to oxidation and metal-to-metal contact
Solution Approach 1:
The composite bracket acts as an intermediary that eliminates direct contact between dissimilar metals in the window installation system. By positioning this non-metallic bracket between metal components, the patent prevents galvanic corrosion and oxidation reactions that would otherwise occur at metal-to-metal interfaces, thereby improving corrosion resistance while maintaining structural support capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent promotes homogeneity by using non-metallic composite materials throughout the bracket system, eliminating the heterogeneity of dissimilar metal contacts. This uniform non-metallic material approach prevents electrochemical reactions between different metals, thereby enhancing corrosion resistance and reliability of the window installation system.
3Strength
If metal brackets are used for window support, then the load-bearing capacity is improved, but lifespan deteriorates due to thermal cycling and material wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes composite materials with appropriate mechanical properties to create brackets that can bear window loads while being resistant to thermal cycling. These composite brackets are designed to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction without the metal-to-metal contact that causes wear in traditional systems, thereby extending the service life of the window support system while maintaining adequate load-bearing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite bracket serves as a protective intermediary that isolates metal structural elements from direct thermal cycling and mechanical wear. By absorbing and distributing thermal and mechanical stresses through its non-metallic composition, the bracket protects the underlying metal structure from degradation, thereby extending the overall lifespan of the window support 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 composite window bracket effectively reduces thermal bridging and extends the life cycle of building enclosures by minimizing heat transfer between exterior and interior conditions, using materials with high R-values to maintain insulation and prevent corrosion.
Implementation Method 1
The composite window bracket effectively reduces thermal conductivity, increases the R-value, and extends the lifespan of building enclosures by eliminating thermal bridging and corrosion
Data Source
AI summary
A method of installing a window and composite window bracket comprises a first member and a second member, and an at least one accessory member to couple the composite window bracket to at least one accessory bracket. The first member includes a first surface extending from a first end of the first member to a second end of the first member, and a second surface extending from the first end first member to the second end first member, the first surface of the first member to be coupled to a support beam. The second member supports a window disposed on the first surface of the second member.