Polymeric Bracket System for Metal Panel Thermal Break
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional metal wall and roof assemblies experience reduced lifespan due to thermal cycling-induced material contraction and expansion, leading to wear and corrosion from metal-to-metal contact, which also causes thermal bridging and heat conductivity issues.
Innovation Solution
A polymeric bracket system with anchor, web, and support sections, made from materials with low thermal conductivity, is used to separate exterior cladding units from the building substrate, creating a thermal break and preventing metal-to-metal contact, while also incorporating ventilation systems and reinforced polymeric materials for enhanced durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If metal skins are bonded to insulated panel cores to create foam panels, then thermal efficiency is improved, but the system is subject to thermal cycling-induced contraction and expansion that causes wear and corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a polymeric bracket system as an intermediary component between the metal cladding and the building substrate. This polymeric intermediate layer has low thermal conductivity, creating a thermal break that prevents direct thermal contact while allowing mechanical attachment, thereby resolving the contradiction between thermal efficiency and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional metal-to-metal mechanical fastening systems with a polymeric bracket system. The polymeric material provides both mechanical support and thermal insulation, eliminating the need for metal fasteners that cause thermal bridging and corrosion, thus improving both thermal efficiency and system lifespan.
2Stability of the object's composition
If metal anchors and fasteners are used to retain metal roof and wall assemblies, then structural stability is improved, but thermal bridging from exterior conditions to interior conditions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The polymeric bracket system serves as a mediator that maintains structural stability while preventing thermal bridging. The polymeric material provides the necessary mechanical attachment between cladding and substrate while its low thermal conductivity blocks heat transfer pathways, eliminating the need for metal fasteners that create thermal bridges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material principles by using polymeric brackets that combine mechanical strength for structural stability with thermal insulation properties. This composite approach allows a single component to simultaneously provide both structural and thermal performance, eliminating the need for separate metal fasteners.
3Ease of manufacture
If like materials are placed in contact with each other in metal wall and roof assemblies, then ease of manufacture is improved, but oxidation reactions occur that corrode materials over time
Solution Approach 1:
The polymeric bracket system introduces a non-metallic intermediary between metal cladding components, preventing direct metal-to-metal contact. This eliminates the conditions for oxidation and corrosion while maintaining ease of manufacture through a simple attachment process, as the polymeric brackets can be easily fastened to both the cladding and substrate.
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 polymeric bracket system effectively reduces thermal bridging, extends the lifespan of building enclosures by minimizing heat transfer and preventing corrosion, and provides a durable solution for supporting exterior cladding units with improved insulation and ventilation.
Implementation Method 1
A polymeric bracket system with anchor, web, and support sections, made from materials with low thermal conductivity, is used to separate exterior cladding units from the building substrate, creating a thermal break and preventing metal-to-metal contact
Data Source
AI summary
A system for supporting exterior panels on a substrate of a building structure. The system has a plurality of polymeric bracket members, and each of the bracket members have at least one anchor section, at least one web section and at least one support section. The polymeric bracket members provide a thermal break from the exterior panel to the substrate of the building structure. A plurality of exterior cladding units are held in place by the bracket members. A plurality of vents are disposed between the panels and the exterior panels, and a plurality of vents are also disposed between the panels and the substrate, thereby forming a ventilation system.