L-Shaped Insulator Profile for Mullion-Transom Facades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing facade construction methods, such as mullion-transom and element facades, face challenges with high construction costs, safety risks, and optical inhomogeneities due to the need for multiple components and on-site assembly, which also lead to potential leakage issues.
Innovation Solution
An L-shaped insulator profile with a connection area that interacts with a facade or module profile, serving as both an insulator and a pressure bar, allowing for pre-assembly and transport of facade modules, reducing on-site work and eliminating the need for separate pressure bars, while enhancing thermal insulation and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional mullion-transom facade construction is used, then the facade structure is stable and functional, but the construction cost is high and assembly work is extensive due to the need for multiple individual components and on-site assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The insulator profile merges multiple functions into a single component: it provides thermal insulation at the glass rebate area, acts as a pressure bar to hold the glass pane, and serves as a connection element between facade modules. This consolidation reduces the number of individual components needed and simplifies the overall facade structure while maintaining stability and functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulator profile is designed as a multi-functional element that simultaneously performs insulation, mechanical support, and connection tasks. The L-shaped cross-section with its specific legs enables it to interact with both the glass pane (direct or indirect contact) and the module profile (via the fastening channel), making it a universal component that replaces multiple separate elements.
2Productivity
If element facades with prefabricated modules are used, then production costs are lower and assembly work is reduced, but optical inhomogeneity and leakage risks occur due to gaps between modules
Solution Approach 1:
The insulator profile closes the gap between adjacent facade modules by extending into the connection area and interacting with the fastening channel of neighboring modules. This merging of the insulator profile with the module connection system eliminates the problematic gap, preventing leakage while maintaining the benefits of prefabricated module assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulator profile acts as an intermediary element between adjacent facade modules, filling and sealing the connection area where modules meet. This intermediary component ensures continuous insulation and prevents water infiltration at the module joints, resolving the leakage issue inherent in modular construction.
3Loss of energy
If insulator profiles are attached between facade modules during final assembly, then thermal insulation is improved, but workshop pre-assembly is not possible and assembly work on site increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insulator profile is integrated into the module profile during workshop pre-assembly, forming a pre-assembled unit before the facade modules are installed on site. This preliminary action allows the insulator profile to be positioned correctly in advance, enabling workshop preparation while ensuring optimal thermal insulation performance at the glass rebate area.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulator profile is merged with the module profile as an integrated component during manufacturing, creating a pre-assembled unit. This combination allows the insulator profile to be installed simultaneously with the module itself, eliminating the need for separate on-site installation and reducing assembly time while maintaining effective thermal insulation.
Data Source
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AI summary
Insulating profile comprises a connecting region (2) interacting with a fixing channel of a facade or module profile and a support surface (3) for directly or indirectly holding a insulating glass pane. An independent claim is also included for a facade module consisting of a module profile and an insulating profile. Preferred Features: The connecting region has a U-shaped foot (20) or an insertion foot. The insulating profile has an insulating chamber (26) with an opening and an intermediate wall (25) with a groove-like recess (201).