Single and Double Plenum Panels for Frameless Thermal Envelopes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wood framing methods in building construction are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and costly, with inefficiencies in insulation due to framing members causing thermal breaks and incomplete insulation installation.

Innovation Solution

The use of single and multi-plenum structural panels that eliminate the need for conventional framing by providing high strength and allowing for continuous panels to span large areas, enabling faster assembly and better insulation through integrated ventilation and air distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional wood framing methods are used, then structural strength is achieved, but construction time and labor costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidconstruction speed

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The wall assembly is segmented into discrete panels with standardized dimensions (e.g., 48 inches wide). Each panel is pre-assembled as a complete unit including studs, sheathing, and insulation, enabling rapid deployment without traditional sequential framing operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Wall panels are prepared in advance with all framing members, sheathing, and insulation pre-installed before arrival at the construction site. This preliminary assembly eliminates on-site framing labor and accelerates the construction process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Strength

If conventional wood framing with sheathing is used, then structural integrity is achieved, but thermal performance deteriorates due to framing members causing thermal breaks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidthermal performance

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Different materials are used in different zones of the wall assembly: rigid insulation boards are placed in continuous layers within the stud cavities, while exterior sheathing provides additional thermal resistance. This localized material optimization ensures high thermal performance while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The wall panel combines multiple materials with complementary properties: wood or metal studs for structural strength, rigid insulation boards for thermal resistance, and sheathing for weather protection. This composite construction achieves both structural integrity and superior thermal performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Strength

If conventional framing with multiple components is used, then structural requirements are met, but device complexity and material quantity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural requirementsVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple wall components (studs, sheathing, insulation, weather barrier) are merged into a single pre-assembled panel unit. This integration reduces the number of separate materials to be handled and simplifies the construction process while maintaining all required structural functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11492796B2Frameless construction method using single and double plenum panels

Publication Date: 2022.11.08 INNOVATIVE STRUCTURAL BUILDING PRODUCTS LLC

AI summary

A method of constructing a building comprising the steps of attaching a first panel to a second panel. The first panel is one of a single plenum panel and a multi-plenum panel and the second panel is one of a single plenum panel and a multi-plenum panel.