Integrated Barrier Panel with Nested Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional building envelope systems require multiple components and trades to achieve air, water, and thermal barriers, leading to compromised barriers for structural support and increased construction complexity, including potential delays and errors.
Innovation Solution
A building wall system with integrated barrier panels that include inner and outer facing sheets and a foam core, providing a continuous air, water, vapor, and thermal barrier while allowing structural support without penetrating the barrier, using a facade fastening member that secures exterior facade systems without compromising the barrier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional multi-component wall systems are used to achieve air, water, vapor, and thermal barriers, then barrier performance is improved, but device complexity and construction difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate barrier components (air barrier, water barrier, vapor barrier, thermal insulation) into a single integrated barrier panel assembly. This assembly includes an outer barrier element, inner barrier element, insulation layer, and connecting elements that work together as one unified system, eliminating the need for multiple separate trades and installation steps while maintaining comprehensive barrier performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated barrier panel assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides air sealing, water resistance, vapor control, thermal insulation, and structural support for exterior facade panels. The connecting elements are designed to perform both barrier functions and structural attachment functions, reducing the number of specialized components needed.
2Strength
If connectors penetrate the barrier to provide structural support for exterior panels, then structural strength is improved, but barrier integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting elements are nested within the barrier panel assembly structure itself, with the outer barrier element, inner barrier element, and insulation layer arranged in a nested configuration. The connecting elements extend from the inner barrier element through the insulation layer to the outer barrier element, creating a protected pathway that maintains barrier integrity while providing structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulation layer acts as an intermediary element between the inner and outer barrier elements, providing a protected pathway for connecting elements. This intermediary structure allows connectors to traverse the barrier assembly without directly compromising the barrier materials, as the connecting elements are embedded within the insulation layer rather than penetrating through the barrier elements themselves.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple trades are used to install separate barrier components, then installation flexibility is improved, but construction time and error potential increase
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier system is segmented into discrete, pre-fabricated components including the outer barrier element, inner barrier element, insulation layer, and connecting elements. These segmented components can be manufactured independently and then assembled as a complete integrated barrier panel assembly, allowing for factory quality control while maintaining installation flexibility. The segmented design also enables the assembly to be installed as a single unit, reducing on-site construction time.
Data Source
AI summary
A building wall system includes first and second panels with each panel having inner and outer facing sheets and a foam core positioned between the inner and outer facing sheets. The first and second panels define a joint positioned between the first and second panels. A facade fastening member is configured to be received by and arranged within the joint.