Long-Bay Building Insulation With Air-Gap Thermal Break
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current building insulation systems for pre-engineered metal buildings face issues such as thermal bridging, compression of insulation, and condensation problems due to structural fastening and compression between exterior sheeting and insulation, leading to reduced thermal performance and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A building insulation system that creates an air gap between the insulation layer and conductive exterior sheeting, using a tension-supported flexible sheet material and active mechanical heat pump system to collect, concentrate, and distribute solar heat, eliminating the need for interior fasteners and reducing thermal bridging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If structural fasteners are used to secure insulation to building members, then the insulation is mechanically supported, but thermal bridges are created that reduce thermal performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the fasteners from the insulation system entirely, allowing the insulation to be supported by the building structure itself (rafters, trusses, or purlins) without penetration. This extraction of the fastening element eliminates the thermal bridge pathway while maintaining structural support through alternative means such as insulation clips or direct placement against the structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary element (such as an insulation clip, holder, or support bracket) that mechanically secures the insulation to the building structure without creating a thermal bridge. This intermediary component transfers the mechanical support function away from the insulation material itself, allowing the insulation to remain thermally continuous while still being securely positioned.
2Ease of operation
If insulation is compressed between exterior sheeting and structural members, then the insulation is secured in position, but insulation thickness is reduced and thermal performance is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-attaching insulation support elements (clips, holders, or brackets) to the building structure before installing the insulation. This preliminary positioning ensures that the insulation will be securely held in the correct position with proper thickness once installed, eliminating the need for compression between sheeting and structure to secure it in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical compression system (using exterior sheeting to compress insulation against structural members) with a different mechanical system based on positive attachment elements. Instead of relying on compression forces to secure and position the insulation, the system uses dedicated support elements that mechanically engage with both the structure and insulation to provide secure positioning without compression.
3Ease of manufacture
If insulation is placed tightly against exterior sheeting, then installation is simplified, but solar heat energy absorption and radiation is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by creating a three-dimensional air gap space between the insulation and the exterior sheeting, rather than having the insulation placed flat and tightly against the sheeting. This additional spatial dimension (the air gap) allows solar heat energy to be absorbed by the exterior sheeting and radiated into the building interior while the insulation remains positioned for easy installation through support elements.
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 system enhances insulation performance, reduces energy consumption by utilizing solar heat, and minimizes condensation, potentially eliminating the need for traditional heating and cooling equipment, achieving net zero energy usage for building conditioning.
Implementation Method 1
A building insulation system that creates an air gap between the insulation layer and conductive exterior sheeting
Implementation Method 2
A building insulation system that creates an air gap between the insulation layer and conductive exterior sheeting, using a tension-supported flexible sheet material
Implementation Method 3
using a tension-supported flexible sheet material and active mechanical heat pump system to collect, concentrate, and distribute solar heat
Implementation Method 4
active mechanical heat pump system to collect, concentrate, and distribute solar heat
Implementation Method 5
This system enhances insulation performance, reduces energy consumption by utilizing solar heat, and minimizes condensation
Data Source
AI summary
A tensioned panel extended insulation system includes a support structure, a panel support structure and a pair of insulation panels. A telescoping tube extended insulation system includes a support structure and a ceiling sheet material. A rafter clip may be attached to a rafter for attachment of an end of the support structure. A cable arched telescoping tube extended insulation system includes an arched support structure, an adjustable spacer, a cable and the ceiling sheet material. A bar joist extended insulation system includes a support structure, an insulation support structure and an ceiling sheet material. A bar joist extended insulation system may be arched. A system for installing ceiling sheet material in buildings preferably includes either two roller supports or two sheave supports, a middle section, a first end section and a second end section. A rotary strut could also be used to replace an existing strut.