Coupling Assembly Spacer for Building Thermal Break
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building insulation systems face challenges due to thermally conductive metal bracket members and flammable outer sheeting materials, which complicate thermal insulation and fire safety compliance.
Innovation Solution
A coupling assembly with a spacer positioned between a bracket member and an outer bracket member, using a mineral wool insulating material and a fastener system to create a thermal break and maintain spacing, thereby reducing thermal conductivity and enhancing fire safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal bracket members are used to provide structural support between inner and outer building structures, then structural strength is improved, but thermal conductivity increases creating thermal bridges from outside to inside
Solution Approach 1:
A non-metallic bracket member made of thermally insulating material is introduced as an intermediary between the metal outer structure and inner building structures. This intermediary breaks the thermal bridge while maintaining structural support functionality, preventing heat transfer from outside to inside.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket member utilizes composite or non-metallic materials with low thermal conductivity properties. These materials provide both structural strength and thermal insulation, eliminating the thermal bridge effect while maintaining load-bearing capacity.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional metal fasteners and bracket members are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but fire safety is compromised due to high flammability of outer sheeting materials
Solution Approach 1:
The material composition of the bracket member is changed from metallic to non-metallic insulating material. This parameter change reduces flammability and improves fire safety while maintaining the structural and fastening functions through alternative material properties.
3Loss of energy
If insulation material is placed within the space provided by bracket members, then thermal insulation is improved, but thermal bridging occurs through the metal bracket members and fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
The non-metallic bracket member serves as a thermal intermediary that prevents direct thermal contact between the outer sheeting and inner structures. This eliminates the thermal bridge pathway while allowing insulation material to be properly positioned and effective.
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 effectively reduces thermal bridging and improves fire safety by creating a high R-value insulation system that maintains thermal isolation between the exterior and interior of a building, while also addressing flammability concerns with non-metallic, high-insulation materials.
Implementation Method 1
A mineral wool is spaced between the bracket member and the outer bracket member... effectively reduces thermal bridging and improves fire safety by creating a high R-value insulation system that maintains thermal isolation
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling assembly for spacing outer sheeting or cladding away from a bracket member including a spacer. The spacer has a first end and a second end. The first end is in substantial overlying abutment with a bracket member and the second end is in substantial overlying abutment with an outer bracket member. A mineral wool is spaced between the bracket member and the outer bracket member, with the space providing the spacing therebetween. The space may be coupled to each of the outer bracket member and the bracket member with a fastener. An insulation system is also disclosed.