Self-Supporting Facade Module with Staggered Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-supporting modules for continuous façades suffer from vapor diffusion due to air infiltration, which compromises their performance and energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A self-supporting module with a polyhedral shape, featuring a load-bearing structure made of aluminum, an external finishing assembly with adjustable angles for optimal solar exposure, and an insulation packet with staggered layers of organic and synthetic materials to reduce thermal bridges and vapor diffusion, along with a ventilation gap for air circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a continuous façade is constructed using self-supporting modules, then the building envelope is formed and structural support is provided, but vapor diffusion occurs due to air infiltration compromising thermal performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nested insulation layers where a first insulation layer and a second insulation layer are positioned at different orientations within the module structure. The second layer is arranged perpendicular to the first layer, creating a nested configuration that blocks vapor diffusion paths while maintaining structural integrity and thermal performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite insulation structures combining different insulation materials with distinct thermal and vapor permeability characteristics. The first insulation layer and second insulation layer are made of different materials arranged in a composite configuration that simultaneously provides structural support and prevents vapor diffusion.
2Loss of energy
If insulation layers are added to reduce thermal bridges, then thermal insulation is improved, but the module complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the insulation system into segmented layers with different orientations. The first insulation layer and second insulation layer are separated and arranged perpendicular to each other, allowing each layer to be optimized for specific thermal performance requirements while simplifying the overall construction process through modular assembly.
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 module enhances thermal insulation, reduces labor costs, and improves energy performance by minimizing heat losses and vapor diffusion while allowing efficient solar energy capture and ventilation.
Implementation Method 1
an insulation packet (6) with staggered layers of organic and synthetic materials to reduce thermal bridges and vapor diffusion
Implementation Method 2
along with a ventilation gap for air circulation
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A self-supporting module (1) for the facade (2) of a building provided with its own load-bearing structure (4); the module (1) is provided with: an external finishing assembly (5), which has a shaped structure and is suited to frontally close the module (1); a frame (18), which can be coupled with the load-bearing structure (4) and with further self-supporting modules (1) and functions as support for the external finishing assembly (5), there being defined within the frame (18) a gap (21) designed to enable passage of a flow of air for aerating the external finishing assembly (5); and an insulation packet (6), which is coupled to the frame (3) and, has a plurality of layers (33), which are set in contact with one another and are made of at least one first insulating material, each layer (33) being set staggered with respect to the adjacent layers (33) in a first direction.