Insulating Shear Connector for Building Thermal Bridging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Building structures face significant energy inefficiencies due to thermal bridging, where heat is transferred between exterior building panels and interior structural members, leading to increased energy expenditures for heating and cooling.

Innovation Solution

The development of shear connectors made from insulating materials that connect building panels to structural members, reducing thermal transfer by using materials with low thermal conductivity and incorporating designs such as hooked arms and insulative strips to limit conductive and radiant heat transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional metal connectors are used to connect building panels to structural members, then structural strength and connection reliability are improved, but thermal bridging increases leading to higher energy consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidthermal energy loss

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is constructed as a composite structure combining metal components (for structural strength) with insulating material components (for thermal resistance). The insulating material forms the base portion that contacts the building panel, while metal hooked arms extend into the panel for mechanical anchorage. This composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of high connection strength and low thermal conductivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The connector is divided into functionally distinct segments: an insulating base portion that provides thermal break and structural support, and metal hooked arms that provide mechanical anchorage to the building panel. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to resolve the thermal-structural contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of energy

If insulating materials are used to reduce thermal transfer, then energy efficiency is improved, but connection strength and structural reliability may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal energy lossVSAvoidconnection strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The connector uses a composite design where insulating material forms the main body for thermal resistance, while embedded metal hooked arms provide the necessary structural strength for anchorage. The metal components are strategically positioned to provide mechanical reinforcement without compromising the overall insulating performance of the connector.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The connector exhibits local quality differentiation where the base portion is made of insulating material for thermal resistance, while the anchorage portions (hooked arms) are made of metal for high strength. This localized material assignment allows the connector to achieve both thermal insulation and structural strength in different regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Stability of the object's composition

If the connector base directly contacts the building panel, then structural stability is improved, but thermal bridging increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidthermal energy loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The base portion of the connector is made entirely of insulating material that directly contacts the building panel, providing both structural stability and thermal resistance. The insulating material is formulated to have adequate mechanical properties for stable contact while maintaining low thermal conductivity to prevent thermal bridging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 shear connector system effectively reduces thermal bridging, lowering the U-value of building assemblies and enhancing energy efficiency by minimizing heat transfer between building panels and structural members, thereby reducing energy consumption.

Implementation Method 1

The shear connectors can be manufactured at least in part using insulating materials configured to reduce thermal transfer between building panels and structural members to which the connectors will be attached

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

reducing thermal transfer by using materials with low thermal conductivity and incorporating designs such as hooked arms and insulative strips to limit conductive and radiant heat transfer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS9963871B2Building panel connector

Publication Date: 2018.05.08 COMPOSITE BUILDING SYST

AI summary

A connector assembly is used to secure a building panel (e.g., building panel) to a building structural element. The connector assembly can be formed of structural materials to effectively transfer load between the panel and the structural element. The connector assembly can include one or more insulating materials to reduce heat transfer between the panel and the structural element.