Polymeric Bracket Thermal Break for Cladding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional metal wall and roof assemblies experience reduced lifespan due to thermal cycling, metal-to-metal contact leading to thermal bridging and corrosion, which affects the building's thermal efficiency and interior conditions.
Innovation Solution
A building wall construction utilizing polymeric brackets with low thermal conductivity, eliminating metal-to-metal contact by creating a thermal break between exterior cladding units and the building substrate, thereby preventing condensation in the interior cavity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If metal materials are bonded to both sides of an insulated panel core to create a foam panel, then thermal efficiency is improved, but thermal bridging occurs through metal-to-metal contact at fasteners and anchors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a polymeric bracket as an intermediary material between the exterior metal cladding and the building substrate. This polymeric material has low thermal conductivity and acts as a thermal break, preventing direct thermal pathways while still providing structural support for mounting the cladding system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter of the mounting bracket from high thermal conductivity (metal) to low thermal conductivity (polymer). This parameter change transforms the bracket from a thermal conductor into a thermal insulator, effectively breaking the thermal bridge while maintaining mechanical functionality.
2Strength
If metal anchors and fasteners are used to attach exterior cladding to the building substrate, then structural attachment is achieved, but corrosion occurs due to metal-to-metal contact and oxidation
Solution Approach 1:
The polymeric bracket serves as an intermediary between metal components, eliminating direct metal-to-metal contact. The polymer material is inherently corrosion-resistant and prevents oxidation reactions by isolating metal fasteners and anchors from environmental exposure and moisture.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system uses a composite approach combining polymeric material with metal fasteners. The polymeric bracket provides corrosion resistance and thermal insulation, while metal fasteners provide structural attachment strength. This composite system leverages the advantages of both material types without their detrimental interactions.
3Loss of energy
If metal skins are profiled with offsets to prevent contact, then thermal bridging is reduced, but the system still requires metal anchors and fasteners that create thermal pathways
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying solely on complex metal skin profiling and offset mechanisms, the patent introduces a simple polymeric bracket as a mediator that inherently provides thermal breaking. This simplifies the overall system by replacing complex metal-to-metal separation mechanisms with a single material solution.
4Strength
If conventional metal brackets are used for mounting exterior cladding, then structural support is provided, but thermal bridging occurs and condensation forms in the interior cavity
Solution Approach 1:
The polymeric bracket acts as a thermal mediator that prevents cold surfaces from forming in the interior cavity. By breaking the thermal bridge, the bracket prevents the temperature differential that leads to condensation, while still providing the necessary structural support for the cladding system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal conductivity parameter of the mounting bracket from high (metal) to low (polymer). This parameter change prevents the bracket from becoming a cold surface that would cause condensation, while maintaining adequate mechanical strength for structural support.
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 effectively reduces thermal bridging and condensation within the building, enhancing thermal efficiency and extending the lifespan of the building envelope by using polymeric brackets that provide a high R-value and prevent metal-to-metal contact.
Implementation Method 1
the polymeric brackets have a low thermal conductivity
Implementation Method 2
a layer of insulation disposed within an interior cavity of the wall construction adjacent to the building substrate
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2A
AI summary
A system for supporting exterior panels or cladding units on a building substrate. The system includes a plurality of polymeric bracket members, wherein each of the polymeric bracket members further includes an anchor section, adapted to be coupled to the building substrate, and a support section adapted to couple to the exterior cladding unit. In assembly, as disposed between the building substrate and the exterior cladding units, the polymeric bracket members provide a thermal break from the exterior cladding units to the building substrate.