Sandwich Panel Wall Foundation Fixing System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sandwich panel joints with continuous metal profiles are prone to water leakage and condensation issues due to heat bridges, leading to potential structural damage from rainwater and humidity accumulation.
Innovation Solution
A foundation fixing system with a U-profile that incorporates an inner and outer horizontal fixing portion, a combined inner vertical water barrier and fixing portion, and a separate horizontal water barrier and thermal insulating portion, featuring slots in the web to prevent heat bridges and ensure water passage, along with an inclined horizontal water barrier to facilitate quick drying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If continuous metal U-profiles are used to fix sandwich panels to foundation, then the structural connection is strong, but water leakage and condensation occur due to heat bridges
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous metal U-profile is segmented into separate functional components: a metal fixing profile for structural connection, a separate water barrier layer, and a thermal insulation layer. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without the harmful effects of continuous metal conductivity.
Solution Approach 2:
A water barrier layer (e.g., plastic or rubber membrane) is introduced as an intermediary between the metal fixing profile and the insulation layer. This intermediary layer prevents water from penetrating through the heat bridge while maintaining the structural connection function.
2Loss of energy
If thermal slotted U-profiles are used to prevent heat bridges, then thermal insulation is improved, but water leakage into the building occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing profile is divided into separate functional layers: a metal profile for anchoring, a water barrier layer for preventing water penetration, and an insulation layer for thermal performance. This segmentation allows the water barrier to be positioned independently to prevent water leakage while the insulation layer addresses thermal energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from a two-dimensional slotted profile to a multi-layer three-dimensional structure. The water barrier layer is positioned at a specific dimension (between metal profile and insulation) to intercept water before it can penetrate, adding a new protective dimension to the system.
3Strength
If U-profiles are made of continuous metal sheet, then structural strength is maintained, but water remains trapped for long periods causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The water barrier function is extracted from the metal U-profile and placed in a separate dedicated layer. This extracted water barrier layer (plastic or rubber membrane) actively prevents water accumulation by providing a continuous waterproof seal that disconnects water from the structural metal elements.
Solution Approach 2:
A water barrier intermediary layer is introduced between the metal fixing profile and the insulation layer. This intermediary acts as a protective interface that prevents water from reaching the insulation and structural elements, thereby maintaining reliability while preserving structural strength.
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 prevents water damage and condensation within the building, enhancing the structural integrity and installation ease of sandwich panel walls by ensuring a watertight connection and efficient water drainage.
Implementation Method 1
the web of the U-profile comprises slots forming the horizontal thermal insulating portion
Implementation Method 2
the U-profile comprises one or more holes in the lower side of the outer vertical fixing portion forming the water passage
Implementation Method 3
an inclined horizontal water barrier to facilitate quick drying
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A sandwich panel wall (1), comprising a foundation fixing means (7) which further comprises an inner horizontal fixing portion (9) and/or outer horizontal fixing portion (11); an inner vertical water barrier portion (22) and an inner vertical fixing portion (8) or a combined vertical water barrier and inner vertical fixing portion (8); a water passage (5); a horizontal water barrier portion (6) and a horizontal thermal insulating portion (10) or a combined horizontal water barrier and a horizontal thermal insulating portion (6,10). Optionally the sandwich panel wall (1) comprises a water tight joint between the frame and sandwich panels (1).