Tensioned Ceiling Sheet Installation 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 traditional through-fastening methods are used to secure insulation, then structural support is achieved, but thermal performance deteriorates due to multiple thermal bridges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the fastening function from the insulation support system entirely. Instead of using through-fasteners that penetrate the insulation, the system extracts the support function to separate structural members (rafters, trusses) and uses adhesive bonding at perimeter locations only, eliminating thermal bridge fasteners from the interior insulation layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces adhesive as an intermediary bonding agent between the insulation and the structural members. This adhesive layer provides structural support without creating thermal bridges, as it bonds only at perimeter locations rather than penetrating through the entire insulation thickness with metal fasteners.
2Ease of manufacture
If insulation is compressed between structural members and exterior sheeting, then installation simplicity is improved, but thermal performance deteriorates due to reduced insulation thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the compression function from the insulation installation system. Instead of compressing insulation between structural members and exterior sheeting, the system allows insulation to maintain its uncompressed, designed thickness by removing the compressive force entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces adhesive as an intermediary that bonds the insulation to perimeter structural members, replacing the need for mechanical compression. This adhesive bonding system maintains insulation thickness while providing secure attachment.
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 patent creates a new spatial dimension by introducing an air gap between the insulation and exterior sheeting. This air gap allows solar heat energy to be absorbed and radiated by the exterior sheeting without being blocked, while still maintaining construction efficiency through perimeter adhesive bonding.
4Reliability
If interior fastening is required during insulation installation, then structural security is improved, but installation complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the interior fastening operation entirely from the insulation installation process. Structural security is achieved through perimeter adhesive bonding and the weight distribution system, eliminating the need for interior fasteners and associated installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies adhesive bonding at perimeter locations as a preliminary action before installing the exterior sheeting. This preliminary bonding provides structural security without requiring subsequent interior fastening operations.
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 air conditioning equipment, achieving net zero energy usage for building conditioning.
Implementation Method 1
Each roller support includes a roller and a pair of bearings
Implementation Method 2
a bottom of the C-shaped channel in the first and second end sections are tapered, such that a distance from a bottom of the C-shaped channel to a top of the end section is greater at an inside end than at an outside end
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.