Slim Metal Panel Edge System with Thermal Break
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional panel systems face challenges in aesthetics due to a thick appearance, require significant maintenance, and have limited load-bearing capacity, while also being inefficient in terms of insulation and structural integrity, particularly under wind pressure.
Innovation Solution
A slim and strong panel system is designed using solid metal elements with a minimal profile width, incorporating thermally insulating parts and a solid metal connecting element to absorb forces, ensuring wind-tightness and water-tightness, and featuring a compact configuration with minimal material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional insulating profiles (wooden, aluminum, or plastic) are used to hold panels, then thermal insulation is improved, but the profile width increases and aesthetic appeal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The profile is divided into two distinct functional parts: a thin metal first element (less than 5 cm width) that provides structural support and panel holding, and a separate thermally insulating part that provides insulation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, achieving both thin profile width and effective thermal insulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines dissimilar materials (metal and thermal insulation material) into a composite structure. The metal first element provides mechanical strength while the thermal insulation part provides thermal resistance, creating a composite profile that achieves both structural integrity and thermal performance in a compact form.
2Length of stationary object
If solid metal elements with minimal profile width are used, then aesthetic appeal and slim design are improved, but load-bearing capacity and structural integrity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The structural function is separated from the insulation function. The metal first element is dedicated to providing structural support and load-bearing capacity with a thin profile, while the thermal insulation part is added separately. This allows the metal element to be optimized for strength-to-width ratio without being constrained by insulation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermally insulating part acts as an intermediary component that connects to the metal first element. It provides thermal break functionality while being mechanically supported by the metal structure, allowing the thin metal profile to maintain its load-bearing capacity without requiring increased width.
3Loss of energy
If thermally insulating parts are placed externally bound by panel faces, then insulation is improved, but wind-tightness and water-tightness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The thermally insulating part is positioned in the space between opposite end faces of neighboring panels (internal positioning) rather than externally. This dimensional repositioning allows the insulating part to be integrated into the panel cavity space, where it can be sealed against wind and water while still providing effective thermal insulation.
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 achieves a slim, durable, and energy-efficient design that effectively resists wind pressure and maintains structural integrity with reduced material consumption, offering improved aesthetic appeal and performance over traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
the solid metal connecting element being at least dimensioned for substantially absorbing forces in said first direction, the forces comprising wind pressure, for the purpose of preventing the system from bending under the influence of such forces
Implementation Method 2
a connection between said first element and second elements which connection is also provided with a thermally insulating part
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4A~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
A system provided with panels, for instance glass sheets, and with elements (1, 2) which extend along edges of the panels, comprising: —at least a first element (1) which extends along a first edge of at least one panel (P), wherein the first element (1) is manufactured from metal, and is of solid design; —at least a second element (2) which extends along a second edge of the at least one panel (P), and —a connection (3, 4) between said first and second element (1, 2) which connection comprises at least a solid metal, preferably steel connecting element (3), wherein said connection is also provided with a thermally insulating part (4), wherein the thermally insulating part (4) is preferably substantially located in a space located opposite an end face of the panel (P).