Organic Curtain Wall Frame with Fiber Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing curtain walls, primarily made of aluminum, have a high carbon footprint due to non-biodegradability, energy-intensive manufacturing, and poor thermal insulation, leading to increased energy consumption for heating and cooling, and lack structural load-bearing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A unitized curtain wall system using a frame made of organic materials like wood (glulam) with fiber-reinforced materials, vacuum insulated glass, and structural silicone for improved insulation and structural integrity, reducing the carbon footprint and energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If aluminum mullions are used in curtain walls, then shipping weight is reduced and on-site construction is facilitated, but thermal insulation performance deteriorates and energy consumption for heating and cooling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining wood (organic material) with aluminum in a hybrid mullion system. The wood provides thermal insulation properties while the aluminum components maintain structural strength and ease of construction. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by integrating materials with complementary properties to simultaneously achieve good thermal performance and construction efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by using different materials in different regions of the mullion structure. Aluminum is used in areas requiring structural strength and connection points, while wood or insulating materials are used in regions where thermal insulation is critical. This spatial differentiation of material properties allows the system to optimize both structural performance and thermal efficiency.
2Ease of manufacture
If aluminum is used for curtain wall mullions, then manufacturing and shipping is simplified, but carbon footprint increases due to intensive energy consumption and non-biodegradability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from purely synthetic aluminum materials to organic wood materials with different environmental parameters. Wood is biodegradable and sequesters carbon, fundamentally changing the environmental lifecycle parameters of the curtain wall system while maintaining manufacturability through traditional woodworking techniques and modern joinery systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the traditionally harmful aspect of wood (susceptibility to moisture and decay) into a benefit by applying modern protective treatments and design features that enhance durability. This allows the use of sustainable, low-carbon wood materials while overcoming their historical limitations, thereby reducing carbon footprint without sacrificing structural reliability.
3Weight of moving object
If aluminum mullions are used, then structural weight is reduced, but structural load-bearing capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the hybrid mullion system to perform multiple functions simultaneously. The wood components provide both structural load-bearing capability and thermal insulation, while aluminum components provide structural reinforcement and connection functionality. This multi-functional integration allows the system to achieve adequate strength without relying solely on heavy aluminum sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the anti-weight principle by using the inherent strength of wood to counterbalance the low strength of aluminum. The wood portions are strategically positioned to carry compressive loads and provide structural rigidity, compensating for the lighter weight aluminum components. This creates a balanced system where different materials compensate for each other's weaknesses.
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 significantly reduces energy loss through fenestration, enhances structural strength, and achieves a net-zero carbon footprint by utilizing sustainable materials that sequester carbon, unlike aluminum, which cannot support dead loads and requires extensive energy for manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
The glass is a vacuum insulated glass
Implementation Method 2
A fiber glass reinforced material is affixed to an exterior facing surface of the frame
Implementation Method 3
Structural silicone is disposed within the cavity in sealing contact with the window, the fiber reinforced material and the anchor
Data Source
AI summary
A curtain wall includes a frame made of an organic recyclable material. A fiber reinforced material is affixed to an exterior facing surface of the frame. An anchor is affixed to a non-exterior facing surface of the frame and fiber reinforced material. A gasket is disposed in at least an exterior facing surface of the fiber reinforced material, A window is affixed to the gasket. A cavity is formed between the window, the fiber reinforced plastic and the anchor. Structural silicone is disposed within the cavity in sealing contact with window, the fiber reinforced material and the anchor.