Insulated Tensioned Sheet Wall Assembly for Wind-Loaded Buildings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fabric-walled buildings suffer from poor heat insulating properties and securing traditional insulation to flexible fabric walls is difficult due to fluctuating wind forces.
Innovation Solution
A tensioned sheet wall system comprising a flexible sheet assembly with inner and outer plastic barriers, a core layer of heat insulating material, and a tensioning mechanism that applies tension through frame members to maintain the assembly's integrity and flexibility under wind loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional building insulation is used with flexible fabric walls, then heat insulation is improved, but the insulation becomes difficult to secure under fluctuating wind forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining flexible fabric layers with rigid insulation boards to create a multi-layer wall assembly. The rigid insulation boards are mechanically attached to the fabric structure, providing both thermal insulation and wind resistance. This composite construction allows the system to maintain insulation performance while withstanding fluctuating wind forces that would otherwise displace traditional insulation materials.
2Ease of manufacture
If tensioned fabric is used for temporary enclosure during construction, then ease of installation is improved, but heat insulating properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wall assembly into distinct functional layers: an outer fabric enclosure layer for weather protection and ease of installation, and an inner rigid insulation layer for thermal performance. This segmentation allows each layer to fulfill its specific function optimally while being installed as an integrated system, maintaining both ease of installation and heat insulating properties.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fabric walls are made flexible to withstand wind forces, then adaptability to wind loads is improved, but heat insulation performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges flexible fabric components with rigid insulation components into a unified wall system. The flexible fabric provides adaptability to wind loads and weather protection, while the rigid insulation boards provide stable thermal performance. The components are mechanically connected to work together as an integrated system, allowing the wall to simultaneously exhibit flexibility under wind loads and maintain effective heat insulation.
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 system provides effective heat insulation while remaining securely attached to the building frame, even under fluctuating wind conditions, enhancing thermal performance.
Implementation Method 1
a core layer formed of a heat insulating material received between the inner and outer sheet members
Implementation Method 2
a tensioning assembly arranged to be operatively connected between the second frame member and the rigid frame of the building at the second end of the wall opening whereby the tensioning assembly is arranged to apply tension in the longitudinal direction to the inner sheet member
Data Source
AI summary
An insulated wall system for a building includes a sheet assembly spanning across an opening in a building frame. The sheet assembly includes an outer plastic sheet member at an, an inner plastic sheet member at an interior, and a core layer of heat insulating material between the inner and outer sheet members. One or more perimeter boundaries of the sheet assembly includes a tensioning pocket formed on the inner sheet member to receive a frame member therein such that a tensioning mechanism can apply tension between the frame member in the pocket and a corresponding boundary of the building opening to tension the sheet assembly. The outer sheet member is joined to the inner sheet member about a perimeter while the core layer is bonded to both sheet members to transfer tension of the inner sheet member through all layers of the sheet assembly.