Insulated Window Gantry Structure for Flush Facade Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gantry structures for finishing and outfitting building openings require significant dimensions and thick external insulating cladding, necessitating installation on the external face of buildings, which can disturb residents and are not adaptable to varying cladding thicknesses.
Innovation Solution
A gantry structure comprising thermally insulating base, lateral, and upper transverse elements that project from the external cladding, allowing integration into the building face regardless of cladding thickness, with a slanting connecting portion for rainwater drainage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the gantry structure uses thick mats of thermally insulating material to achieve thermal insulation, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but the dimensions of the gantry structure become significant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the gantry structure within the thickness of the external insulating cladding rather than adding it externally. The base transverse element, lateral uprights, and upper transverse element are configured to be mounted within the cladding layer, nesting the structural components inside the existing insulation thickness to avoid increasing overall dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a three-dimensional external protruding structure to a two-dimensional integration within the cladding layer. By mounting the gantry structure within the plane of the cladding rather than extending outward, the design achieves thermal insulation without significantly increasing the building's external dimensions.
2Ease of operation
If the gantry structure is installed on the external face of the building, then installation can be carried out without accessing inner spaces, but the external insulating cladding requires great and predetermined thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the gantry structure adaptable to varying cladding thicknesses through adjustable mounting configurations. The base transverse element and lateral uprights can be positioned at different depths within the cladding layer, allowing the structure to accommodate varying insulation thicknesses while maintaining external accessibility during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows the gantry structure to adapt to different cladding thickness parameters. The mounting elements can be positioned at variable distances from the building facade, enabling the structure to fit within different cladding thickness ranges without requiring a predetermined minimum thickness.
3Shape
If the gantry structure projects from the external insulating cladding, then integration into the building face is achieved, but rainwater drainage becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a slanting connecting portion with a curved or angled surface that directs rainwater away from the gantry structure. The transverse wall includes a sloped surface that uses gravity to channel water toward drainage openings, preventing water accumulation on the projecting structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the drainage function from the main structural body by incorporating separate drainage openings in the transverse wall. These openings allow rainwater to exit the housing seat through the slanting connecting portion, separating the structural support function from the drainage 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
Enables quick and simple installation of a thermally insulated gantry structure that integrates seamlessly with the building facade, facilitating architectural integration and avoiding thermal bridges.
Implementation Method 1
a base transverse element, which is at least partially made of a thermally insulating material... a pair of lateral uprights made at least partially of a thermally insulating material... an upper transverse element... the transverse wall is made of a thermally insulating material
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A gantry structure for finishing and outfitting an opening in a perimeter wall of a building has a base transverse element (7), which is at least partially made of a thermally insulating material and is configured to be mounted in the opening (2) of the perimeter wall (4) on the outside of the building; a pair of lateral uprights (8) at least partially made of a thermally insulating material and configured to be mounted on the base transverse element (7) on the outside of the building; and an upper transverse element (9) configured to be mounted on the lateral uprights (8) outside the building, the upper transverse element (9) comprising a transverse wall (10), which is made of a thermally insulating material and is configured to delimit, together with the perimeter wall (4), a housing seat (12) to house a rolling or packable shade system.