L-Shaped Brackets for Exterior Building Insulation Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exterior insulation systems for buildings face challenges such as thermal bridging, water vapor impermeability, complex installation, and increased fire risk due to the use of rigid panels and ventilated facades, which lead to insulation losses and logistical difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A compact, lightweight exterior insulation system using compressible mineral wool with brackets made of low thermal conductivity materials, eliminating the need for gluing and air gaps, and providing mechanical stability and fire resistance through L-shaped brackets with reinforced plastic or non-flammable materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid panels are used for insulation, then mechanical properties and wind resistance are improved, but thermal bridging and insulation losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses composite construction combining rigid insulation panels with a ventilated facade structure. The insulation panels provide mechanical strength and wind resistance, while the ventilation system with thermal break elements reduces thermal bridging. This composite approach allows both rigid panel strength and reduced energy loss to coexist.
2Stability of the object's composition
If organic foam panels are used for insulation, then mechanical stability is improved, but water vapor permeability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the wall structure into multiple functional layers: the organic foam insulation panel provides mechanical stability, while a separate ventilated facade layer with permeable elements handles water vapor management. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specialized function without compromising the other.
3Reliability
If gluing is used for fixing insulation panels, then attachment reliability is improved, but adaptability to uneven walls deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces mechanical fixing elements (screws, anchors) as intermediaries between the insulation panels and the wall structure. These mechanical fixings can accommodate wall irregularities better than gluing alone, while still providing reliable attachment. The mechanical fasteners act as mediators that bridge the gap between the rigid panels and uneven surfaces.
4Strength
If ventilated facades with metal brackets are used, then mechanical resistance is improved, but fire resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the material parameter of the bracket elements from metal to non-combustible materials such as stone, concrete, or ceramic. These materials maintain the necessary mechanical resistance for structural support while being fire-resistant. The parameter change from metallic to mineral-based materials eliminates the fire risk associated with metal brackets.
5Object-affected harmful factors
If complex ventilated facade systems are implemented, then humidity control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the essential humidity control function from the complex ventilated facade system and implements it through a simplified approach: permeable facing elements that allow vapor transmission combined with basic mechanical ventilation. This extraction removes unnecessary complexity while retaining the core humidity management capability.
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 achieves reliable and rapid attachment to uneven walls, reduces thermal bridging, allows for humidity absorption and release, and provides excellent fire resistance and mechanical strength, minimizing insulation losses and installation costs while maintaining energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
brackets made of low thermal conductivity materials, eliminating the need for gluing and air gaps, and providing mechanical stability and fire resistance through L-shaped brackets with reinforced plastic or non-flammable materials
Implementation Method 2
allows the building to dry out vis-à-vis the interior and the exterior, i.e. compatible with the natural tendency of the masonry walls to absorb and release humidity according to the seasons
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for insulating buildings from the outside, including insulating elements (1) covered with cladding plates (2) attached to an assembly of profiles (5) mounted on the wall (O) to be insulated, characterized in that the insulating elements (1) and the profiles (5) are retained by brackets (3) including a first substantially planar portion (31) for bearing against and attaching to the wall (O) to be insulated, and a second substantially planar portion (32) for bearing, retaining, and attaching at an adjustable distance from the wall (O) for a first substantially planar portion (51) of the profiles (5) which comprise a second substantially planar bearing portion (52) for the cladding plates (2), wherein the brackets (3) are made of a material having a thermal conductivity of greater than or equal to 0.5 W/m.K. The invention also relates to a bracket (3) for said insulation system.