Metal Framed Cladding Panels with Composite Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Curtain wall systems provide limited insulation and often detract from the thermal performance of buildings due to their exposed sub-frames, necessitating improved cladding solutions that enhance both insulation and weather sealing.
Innovation Solution
A modular cladding system featuring pre-manufactured panels with a composite layer of opposed metal layers and an insulating core, mounted on metal sub-frames, which provides thermal insulation and acts as an air and vapour barrier, and includes a tongue and groove interconnect system for sealing the building envelope.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional curtain wall systems with exposed sub-frames are used, then the architectural appearance and structural support are achieved, but the thermal insulation performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sub-frame structure with the cladding panels by integrating insulation layers and weather sealing directly into the panel assembly. The cladding panels are attached directly to the sub-frame members, combining structural support, insulation, and weather protection into a single integrated system, eliminating the need for separate insulation and sealing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite cladding panels consisting of multiple layers including outer cladding material, insulation layer, and weather sealing layers. This composite structure provides simultaneous thermal insulation, weather protection, and structural support, resolving the contradiction between architectural simplicity and thermal performance.
2Loss of energy
If additional insulation is added interior to curtain walls, then thermal requirements are met, but the insulation properties are reduced by exposed sub-frames
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies insulation and weather sealing to the exterior face of the sub-frame structure before the building envelope is completed. By pre-assembling cladding panels with integrated insulation and sealing layers, the system eliminates heat loss at the building envelope boundary without requiring additional interior insulation assemblies or complex interior modifications.
3Reliability
If modular cladding panels with composite layers are used, then thermal insulation and weather sealing are improved, but the manufacturing and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the building envelope into discrete modular cladding panels that can be manufactured off-site and assembled on-site. Each panel is a self-contained unit with integrated cladding, insulation, and weather sealing, allowing for standardized manufacturing processes while ensuring consistent weather sealing performance across the entire building envelope.
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 modular cladding system effectively enhances the thermal insulation and weather sealing of building envelopes, reducing heat loss and air leakage while maintaining a visually appealing exterior finish.
Implementation Method 1
a cladding layer formed of opposed metal layers and an insulating core to which the opposed metal layers are adhered. The cladding layer is formed in front of the frame and thermally insulates the frame
Implementation Method 2
The composite layer further acts as an air and vapour barrier for the building envelope
Implementation Method 3
a cladding layer formed of opposed metal layers and an insulating core to which the opposed metal layers are adhered
Data Source
AI summary
A cladding system that is used to form a building envelope is disclosed. The system includes pre-fabricated modular cladding panels, each including a composite layer mounted onto metal or alloy sub-frame. The composite layer provides an outer insulation to the system, and a generally flat outer surface to which a veneer may be mounted. The composite layer further acts as an air and vapour barrier for the building envelope. The sub-frames may connect to one another by a tongue and groove interconnect.