Facade Element Thermal Insulation Condensation Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing facade elements with pressure equalization openings in commercial construction suffer from condensation issues, leading to complex constructions, high maintenance, and energy consumption, as well as deformations and damage due to pressure fluctuations.

Innovation Solution

A facade element design featuring a thermally insulated outer pane arrangement with direct tube-like connections to the outside atmosphere, ensuring the inner surface temperature remains above the dew point, preventing condensation through structural properties without additional air conditioning or cleaning mechanisms, and incorporating a filter element to prevent contaminants.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a pressure equalization opening is provided in the holding frame, then pressure fluctuations are compensated and deformations are avoided, but atmospheric moisture condenses on the panes forming drops and streaks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure stabilityVSAvoidcondensation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the thermal parameter of the outer pane arrangement by providing thermal insulation with a thermal resistance of at least 0.3 m²K/W. This parameter change raises the inner surface temperature of the outer pane arrangement above the dew point temperature of the air in the intermediate space, thereby preventing condensation while maintaining pressure equalization through the opening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the inner pane arrangement is equipped with an opening mechanism for cleaning, then condensate can be removed, but the construction becomes more complex and requires high maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecondensate removalVSAvoidconstruction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by providing thermal insulation to the outer pane arrangement before condensation can form. This preventive measure raises the surface temperature above the dew point, stopping condensation formation at its source and eliminating the need for opening mechanisms or cleaning systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the need for complex opening mechanisms and cleaning systems by addressing the root cause of condensation through thermal insulation. By preventing condensation formation, the harmful factor is eliminated without adding complex removal mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If active air conditioning devices and measuring devices are connected to the pressure equalization opening, then condensation is prevented, but the construction becomes very complex and energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecondensation preventionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by using the thermal insulation property of the outer pane arrangement to automatically prevent condensation. The structure itself provides the condensation prevention function through its thermal resistance, eliminating the need for active air conditioning devices, sensors, and control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and eliminates the need for active air conditioning devices, measuring devices, and control systems by using passive thermal insulation. The condensation prevention is achieved through the inherent thermal properties of the insulated outer pane arrangement rather than active mechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If the outer pane arrangement is thermally insulated with a thermal resistance of at least 0.3 m 2 K/W, then the inner surface temperature remains above dew point preventing condensation, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecondensation preventionVSAvoidmanufacturing ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies a minimum thermal resistance parameter of 0.3 m²K/W for the outer pane arrangement. This parameter specification ensures the inner surface temperature remains above the dew point, preventing condensation. The principle is applied by setting a clear quantitative threshold that guides manufacturing while achieving the condensation prevention goal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 design eliminates condensation, simplifies construction, reduces maintenance, and achieves significant energy savings while maintaining excellent thermal and physical properties by controlling pressure and humidity through the structural opening, making the facade element permanently maintenance-free.

Implementation Method 1

the outer pane arrangement is thermally insulated in such a way that it has a thermal resistance of at least 0.3 m 2 K/W, by which the inner surface of the outer pane arrangement assumes a higher temperature than the dew point temperature of the air present in the space between the panes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

the special configuration of the outer pane arrangement ensures that the inner surface of the outer pane arrangement assumes a higher temperature than the dew point temperature of the air present in the space between the panes. This effectively prevents the formation of condensate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation prevention: Condensation

Implementation Method 3

the at least one opening is designed in such a way that the water vapor partial pressure of the space between the panes can adapt to the water vapor partial pressure of the outside atmosphere in a short time

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWater vapor diffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentEP2441910B1Facade element
Publication Date: 2015.08.05 SEELE GROUP GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2441910B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The facade element (1) has an internal panel arrangement (10) with a glass panel (24), an external panel arrangement (20) with a glass panel (22) and a frame arrangement (30), which connects the internal panel arrangement and the external panel arrangement with each other by forming an intermediate space (40). The external panel arrangement is thermo technically insulated, and an opening is arranged on the lower side of the facade element. An independent claim is also included for a facade with a building inner side.