Insulating Window Mounting Collar for Façade Thermal Bridging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Window frames act as thermal bridges in building façades when external wall insulation is applied, leading to heat loss and the need for frequent window replacements, which can leave buildings exposed during installation, and existing solutions either prevent new window installation before removing the old or create thermal bridges with strong metal brackets.
Innovation Solution
A window mounting collar made from rigid thermal insulating material is affixed to the exterior façade, surrounding the window opening and extending outward, allowing the window frame to be separated from the façade plane by at least 10mm, reducing thermal bridging and enabling new window installation without removing the existing one.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If strong metal brackets are used to fix the window frame to the building wall, then the window can be securely mounted, but thermal bridging increases and insulation performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mounting collar as an intermediary component between the window frame and the building wall. This collar is made of thermally insulating material that breaks the thermal bridge path while still providing mechanical support for securing the window frame in place
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting collar combines structural support function with thermal insulation function in a single component made of thermally insulating material, replacing the traditional metal bracket system that created thermal bridges
2Reliability
If the existing window frame is removed before installing the new one, then the new window can be securely fixed, but the building is exposed to elements during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting collar is installed on the building wall before the existing window frame is removed. This preliminary installation provides immediate structural support and maintains building envelope integrity throughout the window replacement process
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting collar serves as a temporary intermediary structure that maintains the building's thermal envelope during the transition period when the old window is being removed and the new one is being installed
3Loss of energy
If the window frame is positioned in line with the new façade front, then thermal bridging is reduced, but the installation process becomes more complex and requires removing the existing window
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting collar acts as a mediator that allows the window frame to be positioned optimally for thermal performance while simplifying the installation process. The collar is pre-installed on the wall, providing a ready-made mounting structure that eliminates the need to remove the existing window frame
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 solution minimizes thermal bridging by attaching the insulating collar to the façade rather than the window frame, allowing for sealed window openings during installation and reducing the need for strong, thermally conductive brackets, thus maintaining insulation and aesthetic integrity.
Implementation Method 1
providing a window mounting collar formed from rigid thermal insulating material... attaching the insulating collar to the façade rather than the window frame... minimizing thermal bridging
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a window mounting system comprising: a building facade having an interior face and an exterior face and comprising a window opening; and a window mounting collar formed from rigid thermal insulating material, the mounting collar having at least one inside face, at least one outside face, a first open end and a second open end; wherein the window mounting collar is affixed to the exterior face of the building facade so as to surround the window opening and extend outwards from the exterior face of the facade, such that the first end of the mounting collar is proximal to the building facade and the second end of the mounting collar is distal from the building facade; wherein the system further comprises a window frame arranged in the mounting collar such that the window frame is separated from the plane of the exterior face of the building facade by at least 10mm.