Façade Support Brackets for Thermal Cut-Off and Stone Slab Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal insulation systems for building façades either fail to provide adequate thermal insulation or cannot securely attach heavy finishing elements like stone slabs or tiles due to weight constraints, and existing curtain wall systems do not achieve the necessary thermal cut-off between inside and outside environments.
Innovation Solution
A method involving L-shaped support elements or brackets with a metal core and insulating material, where the brackets are anchored to the building wall, protruding beyond the insulating panels to support bearing panels, which then securely attach discrete finishing elements using mechanical means, ensuring both thermal insulation and structural constraint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If panels of insulating material are bonded directly on the brick walls, then thermal insulation is improved, but the ability to attach heavy finishing elements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the façade structure into separate functional components: insulating panels for thermal insulation and bearing panels for mechanical support. The insulating panels are bonded directly to the wall to provide thermal insulation, while L-shaped support elements protrude from the wall to carry bearing panels that can securely attach heavy finishing elements like stone slabs or tiles.
Solution Approach 2:
L-shaped support elements act as intermediaries between the wall and the finishing elements. These support elements are anchored to the wall and extend beyond the insulating panels, providing a structural framework that enables the attachment of heavy finishing elements without compromising the thermal insulation layer.
2Strength
If curtain walls with metal frames are used to support stone slabs, then attachment capability is improved, but thermal insulation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different properties to different parts of the structure: the insulating panels provide thermal insulation properties where needed, while the L-shaped support elements and bearing panels provide mechanical strength only where required for attachment. This localized application of properties allows both thermal insulation and attachment capability to coexist.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses composite construction combining insulating panels (for thermal performance) with bearing panels and support elements (for mechanical strength). This composite approach allows the façade to simultaneously achieve good thermal cut-off and secure attachment of finishing elements.
3Ease of operation
If heavy finishing elements are attached directly to insulating panels, then ease of operation is improved, but structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The L-shaped support elements are pre-installed and anchored to the wall before the insulating panels are applied. This preliminary action creates a hidden structural framework that provides reliable support for finishing elements, while keeping the installation process simple by separating the structural support function from the finishing attachment function.
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 method provides effective thermal insulation and secure attachment of finishing elements, maintaining structural integrity and thermal cut-off between the building interior and exterior while allowing for the installation of heavy finishing elements.
Implementation Method 1
panels of insulating material bonded directly on the brick walls... guarantee thermal insulation between the rooms inside the building and the outside environment... panels with a very low thermal conductivity coefficient 'k'
Implementation Method 2
applying and bonding to the external wall a plurality of insulating panels... a layer of bonding material
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
Described is a method for making façades of buildings, comprising the following operations: fixing on an external wall (6) of a building a plurality of support elements (2), each projecting from the wall (6); applying and bonding to the wall (6) a plurality of insulating panels (15) made of expanded polystyrene, letting terminal ends (14) of the support elements (2) protrude beyond the insulating panels (15); putting on the terminal ends (14) a plurality of bearing panels (16) made of fibre cement; applying and bonding the bearing panels (16) on the insulating panels (15); constraining a plurality of discrete finishing elements (23), such as stone slabs or tiles, to the bearing panels (16).