Insulated Sandwich Panels with Exposed Frame Wiring Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of prefabricated sandwich panels in construction is hindered by the need to hide wiring and services, which increases costs and complexity, and thermal bridging issues due to metal-faced panels, leading to inefficiencies in energy efficiency and airtightness.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves offsetting sandwich panels externally from the structural frame, incorporating channels in metal surfaces to break thermal conduction, and using insulated, airtight components to seal junctions and entry points for services, allowing for hidden wiring within the frame without compromising insulation, and using flexible sealing materials to accommodate movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If sandwich panels are used for fast construction and continuous insulation, then construction time is reduced and insulation performance is improved, but wiring installation becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the wiring function from the panel structure itself by providing separate access points through the external frame, allowing wiring to be routed externally without compromising the panel's insulation integrity or requiring complex internal wiring channels
Solution Approach 2:
The external frame acts as an intermediary element that provides a dedicated pathway for wiring services, separating the wiring function from the panel structure and enabling both fast construction and simplified wiring installation
2Strength
If metal-faced sandwich panels are used for structural support, then structural integrity is improved, but thermal bridging increases and energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing thermal insulation specifically at the frame-to-panel junctions where thermal bridging occurs, while maintaining the metal-faced panels' structural integrity in their primary function areas
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction by combining metal-faced sandwich panels with additional thermal insulation materials at critical junctions, creating a hybrid structure that leverages the strength of metal and the thermal performance of insulation materials
3Shape
If wiring is hidden within the panel structure, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but insulation continuity is compromised and maintenance difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the wiring from the panel structure and routes it through the external frame, maintaining the panel's continuous insulation and aesthetic appearance while providing accessible wiring pathways for installation and maintenance
4Ease of operation
If traditional framing and internal layers are added to support wiring, then wiring installation is simplified, but construction cost and time increase, defeating the purpose of sandwich panels
Solution Approach 1:
The external frame serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, creates accessible pathways for wiring services, and maintains the aesthetic appearance, eliminating the need for separate internal framing and layers solely for wiring concealment
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
This approach reduces thermal bridging, maintains insulation integrity, simplifies wiring installation and maintenance, and enhances airtightness, making prefabricated sandwich panels more energy-efficient and cost-effective for building construction.
Implementation Method 1
a portion of that surface configured to adjoin another component of the building; and wherein the portion comprises at least one channel so configured that the at least one channel breaks thermal conduction along said portion of the panel
Implementation Method 2
A sandwich panel is a building panel with two skins and a continuous insulation layer, usually hard foam, sandwiched in between the skins
Data Source
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AI summary
A building comprising a structural frame of the building, at least one window or door supported by and substantially aligned to the frame, and an external wall formed by at least one insulated sandwich panel, the panel(s) in the external wall being supported by the frame and being offset externally from the frame, wherein the frame is exposed in at least part of the interior of the finished building and wherein at least part of the internal wiring of the building traverses the interior of the building on and/or in the frame.