Siding Attachment System With Interlocking Teeth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing siding attachment systems for continuous insulation in buildings suffer from thermal bridging, moisture-related deterioration, and reliance on adhesive backing, which impede drainage and increase labor and material costs, while also failing to effectively transfer compressive loads.
Innovation Solution
A siding attachment system comprising a base with a back plate and an engaging wall featuring base teeth, and an attachment member with a receiving wall and teeth that create a gap for drainage and secure insulation panels without adhesive backing, allowing for compressive force transfer and preventing buckling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If siding is connected directly to the support wall through continuous insulation, then thermal bridging is reduced, but the siding cannot be properly attached and compressive loads cannot be transferred
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into separate components: a back plate that attaches to the support wall, an engaging wall with teeth that interfaces with the insulation, and a mounting plate that supports the siding. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without compromising thermal efficiency or attachment strength
Solution Approach 2:
The engaging wall with base teeth acts as an intermediary mechanism between the back plate and mounting plate. The interlocking teeth provide mechanical attachment strength while the thin profile of the engaging wall minimizes thermal bridging through the insulation layer
2Loss of energy
If continuous insulation panels are installed in complete contact with the AB/WRB, then insulation effectiveness is maximized, but water drainage is impeded and deterioration accelerates
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains full contact between insulation and AB/WRB over most of the surface to maximize insulation effectiveness, but creates localized drainage gaps at specific intervals where the attachment member interfaces with the insulation. This local modification allows water drainage without significantly compromising overall insulation performance
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment member's interaction with the insulation creates gaps that would normally be considered defects, but these gaps are converted into beneficial drainage pathways. The same structural elements that provide mechanical attachment also create the drainage necessary to prevent water-related deterioration
3Stability of the object's composition
If adhesive backing is used on continuous insulation panels, then panels are secured in place, but drainage is impeded and additional costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the chemical adhesive mechanism with a mechanical interlocking system. The base teeth and receiving teeth provide mechanical attachment through their interlocking geometry, eliminating the need for adhesive backing while maintaining panel stability and preserving drainage capability
4Strength
If ties pass through the continuous insulation to attach siding, then siding attachment is achieved, but thermal leaks are created that reduce insulation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system transitions from a linear penetration through the insulation (ties passing through) to a planar interface system. The engaging wall with teeth creates a two-dimensional attachment surface that distributes the attachment function across the width of the insulation rather than concentrating it at discrete penetration points, thereby minimizing thermal leaks
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 reduces thermal bridging, facilitates water drainage, eliminates the need for adhesive backing, and effectively transfers compressive loads, enhancing the thermal efficiency and durability of continuous insulation while reducing material and labor costs.
Implementation Method 1
transfer some compressive force from the siding attachment system onto the insulation to reduce or eliminate the possibility of buckling under compressive loads
Implementation Method 2
Water can be trapped in the minute gap between the continuous insulation and AB/WRB due to capillary action
Data Source
AI summary
Siding attachment system is disclosed having a base and an attachment member. The base has an engaging wall extending from a back plate. The engaging wall has a plurality of base teeth. The back plate is configured to attach to a support wall. The attachment member has a receiving wall extending from a mounting plate. The receiving wall has a receiving opening configured to receive the engaging wall. The receiving wall comprises two interior walls adjacent the receiving opening. Each interior wall comprises one or more receiving teeth extending into the receiving opening to engage one or more of the base teeth to releasably join the attachment member to the base. The mounting plate comprises a surface for supporting siding.