Modular Walling with Compressive Damper Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building insulation solutions face challenges in achieving high thermal resistance without encroaching on usable space, managing air flow, preventing thermal bridges, and accommodating building movement while meeting fire, acoustic, and ergonomic requirements.
Innovation Solution
A modular, off-site manufactured laminated wall panelling system with a compressive damper system that creates a sealed inner leaf, reducing thermal bridges and allowing building movement, combined with a lamination process that enhances thermal, acoustic, and fire performance by using laterally offset layers and a bonding agent for strong joints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If thicker insulation is applied to achieve higher thermal resistance, then energy conservation improves, but usable space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the insulation material by using vacuum insulation technology, which achieves extremely high thermal resistance (low thermal conductivity) in a much thinner profile compared to conventional insulation materials. This allows maintaining high energy conservation performance while minimizing the space occupied by the insulation layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures combining multiple layers including vacuum insulation panels, reflective barriers, and structural components. This composite approach achieves superior thermal performance per unit thickness, thereby conserving energy without sacrificing usable space within the building envelope.
2Loss of energy
If insulation is applied to reduce thermal bridges, then energy efficiency improves, but building movement capability is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates dynamic elements such as expansion joints, flexible connections, and movable support structures within the insulation system. These dynamic components allow the building to expand, contract, and move seasonally and structurally while maintaining the integrity of the thermal envelope and continuing to prevent thermal bridges effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulation system is divided into modular segments or panels that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the overall insulation system to accommodate building movement through localized adjustments at joints and interfaces, while each segment continues to provide effective thermal insulation and bridge prevention.
3Productivity
If modular off-site manufactured wall panels are used, then installation speed improves, but adaptability to building movement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The modular wall panels are designed with dynamic connection systems including sliding joints, expansion gaps, and flexible fastening mechanisms. These features enable the pre-fabricated panels to adapt to building movement and structural changes after installation, maintaining both the installation speed benefits of modular construction and the adaptability needed for building dynamics.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall panel system uses segmented modular units with standardized interfaces that allow for easy assembly and disassembly. The segmentation includes provision for movement accommodation at joints, enabling the modular system to adapt to building movement while preserving the rapid installation advantages of off-site manufacturing.
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 solution provides high insulation performance with reduced thickness and weight, efficient energy management, and compliance with regulatory standards, allowing the building to move without deformation while maintaining comfort levels and minimizing energy expenditure.
Implementation Method 1
at least one biasing device which exerts a force on the at least one wall panels towards a structure bordering the wall
Implementation Method 2
a laminated panel consisting of an inner leaf, an insulation layer, an outer layer lamination and an optional heater membrane
Implementation Method 3
I have then lined the inside of the inherited structure with thermal foil to effectively seal the new void we create
Data Source
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AI summary
A modular walling system for enhancing insulation of an existing wall. Wall panels are arranged in front of the wall and extend the full height and width of the wall, with a void formed between the panels and the wall. A compressive force is applied to the wall panels to bias them together and against a bordering structure, thereby sealing the void behind the panels. The biasing devices providing the compressive force allow bidirectional movement of the wall panels.