Polymer Thermal Closure for Window Opening Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current window opening insulation systems using metal angles create thermal short circuits and have limitations with wood framing, such as thermal conductivity, flammability, and stability issues, which affect energy efficiency and safety.
Innovation Solution
A window opening insulation system comprising a pultruded polymer-based thermal closure with fiber reinforcement, combined with mineral wool or fiberglass insulation, and exterior trim, which provides a sealed barrier around the window opening to prevent thermal leaks and enhance energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal angle is used around the perimeter of the window opening, then the metal angle provides a surface for exterior trim to attach to and provides structural support, but the metal angle creates a metallic thermal short circuit path from the outside to the inside
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a thermal closure component as an intermediary element between the metal angle and the insulation. This thermal closure acts as a mediator that breaks the thermal short circuit path while allowing the metal angle to maintain its structural function. The thermal closure is positioned to disrupt the thermal bridge created by the metal angle, thereby reducing energy loss without compromising the structural support provided by the metal angle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure combining metal angle with thermal closure and insulation materials. The metal angle provides structural strength, while the thermal closure and insulation materials work together to create a composite system that reduces thermal conduction. This composite approach allows the system to simultaneously achieve structural support and thermal insulation performance.
2Strength
If wood framing is used, then the framing provides structural support, but wood requires metal fasteners that may define thermal short circuits, and wood is porous, flammable, volumetrically thermally conductive, and not hydrostatically or dimensionally stable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problematic wood framing material and replaces it with alternative materials that do not share the detrimental properties of wood. By removing wood from the framing system and using materials with superior stability and safety characteristics, the patent eliminates the issues related to thermal conductivity, flammability, and dimensional stability while maintaining structural support functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters of the framing system by transitioning from wood to materials with different physical and chemical properties. This parameter change involves selecting materials with lower thermal conductivity, higher fire resistance, and better dimensional stability, thereby improving the reliability and safety of the framing system while maintaining its structural support capability.
3Loss of energy
If insulation is added to reduce thermal conductivity, then energy efficiency improves, but the insulation must be properly sealed to prevent thermal leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the thermal closure and sealing functions into a single integrated component. The thermal closure structure incorporates sealing elements that simultaneously provide thermal insulation and prevent thermal leaks. This merging of functions reduces the overall complexity by eliminating the need for separate sealing components and installation steps, while still achieving effective thermal sealing.
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 system effectively reduces thermal conductivity, enhances energy efficiency, and improves safety by eliminating thermal short circuits and flammability risks, while being dimensionally stable and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
the metal angle provides a metallic thermal short circuit path from the outside to the inside
Data Source
AI summary
The insulation system includes opening wall, substrate wall, thermal closure, insulation and exterior trim. A window structure can be coupled to cover opening, while other structures are contemplated. Depending on the configuration, tape strips and/or seals such as caulk seals may be employed as needed to seal the structure.