Tensioned Ceiling Sheet Insulation to Eliminate Thermal Bridging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current building insulation methods in pre-engineered metal buildings suffer from thermal bridging, compression of insulation, and inefficient energy management, leading to reduced thermal performance, increased energy consumption, and potential condensation issues, which result in higher heating and cooling costs and structural damage.
Innovation Solution
A building insulation system that creates an air gap between the insulation layer and conductive exterior sheeting, using a tension-supported flexible sheet material to eliminate interior fastening, manage air flow, and collect solar heat, while incorporating an active heat collection and distribution system to reduce energy needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If through-fastening methods are used to secure insulation, then structural support is achieved, but thermal performance deteriorates due to thermal bridging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the fastening function from the insulation system entirely. Instead of using through-fasteners that penetrate the insulation, the system uses a tensioned membrane supported by perimeter structures and diagonal bracing, extracting the structural support function away from the insulation material itself and eliminating thermal bridging through the insulation layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural support system is segmented into separate functional elements: perimeter tensioning structures, diagonal bracing members, and insulation support apparatus. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without creating thermal bridges, as the support structure is divided into non-penetrating elements that work together to provide structural integrity.
2Ease of manufacture
If insulation is compressed between structural members and sheeting, then installation simplicity is improved, but thermal performance deteriorates due to reduced insulation thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary tensioned membrane system between the structural members and the insulation. This membrane acts as a mediator that holds the insulation in position without compression, maintaining the specified insulation thickness while still providing secure installation. The membrane transfers loads around the insulation rather than through it.
3Productivity
If exterior sheeting is placed directly over insulation, then construction speed is improved, but solar heat energy collection is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The building envelope is segmented into distinct functional layers: a solar energy collection space between the exterior sheeting and insulation, and the insulation layer itself. This segmentation creates a dedicated air space that allows solar heat energy to be collected and directed, while the insulation maintains its thermal performance without being compressed or penetrated.
4Strength
If fasteners are installed through insulation at frequent intervals, then structural attachment is achieved, but thermal bridging increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent completely extracts the fastening function from the insulation layer. The tensioned membrane system is attached to the perimeter structural members and diagonal bracing, removing the need for any fasteners to penetrate the insulation. This eliminates thermal bridging while maintaining structural attachment through the membrane tensioning system.
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 system enhances insulation performance, reduces energy consumption by utilizing solar heat, minimizes condensation, and potentially eliminates the need for traditional heating and cooling equipment, achieving net zero energy usage for building conditioning.
Implementation Method 1
manage air flow
Implementation Method 2
collect solar heat
Implementation Method 3
enhances insulation performance
Data Source
AI summary
A tensioned panel extended insulation system includes a support structure, a panel support structure and a pair of insulation panels. A telescoping tube extended insulation system includes a support structure and a ceiling sheet material. A rafter clip may be attached to a rafter for attachment of an end of the support structure. A cable arched telescoping tube extended insulation system includes an arched support structure, an adjustable spacer, a cable and the ceiling sheet material. A bar joist extended insulation system includes a support structure, an insulation support structure and an ceiling sheet material. A bar joist extended insulation system may be arched. A system for installing ceiling sheet material in buildings preferably includes either two roller supports or two sheave supports, a middle section, a first end section and a second end section. A rotary strut could also be used to replace an existing strut.