Tensioned Building Insulation With Air Gap to Stop 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 with air ducts and heat collection pipes to manage air flow and collect solar heat, eliminating interior fasteners and thermal bridging, and incorporating a subterranean air conditioning system for efficient energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If insulation is installed tightly against exterior sheeting to eliminate air gaps, then thermal performance improves by reducing convection, but solar heat energy cannot be absorbed and radiated off the interior surface for practical use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension by creating an air gap between the insulation layer and the interior finishing surface, transforming a two-layer system into a three-layer system. This air gap dimension enables solar heat energy to be absorbed by the exterior sheeting and radiated through the air gap to the insulation, making solar energy utilization possible while maintaining thermal performance through the insulation layer.
2Strength
If through-fastening is used to secure insulation support apparatus, then structural stability improves, but thermal bridges are created that reduce building thermal performance up to fifty percent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fastening function from the thermal path by using fasteners that attach only to the exterior sheeting and insulation support apparatus, not penetrating through the insulation layer. This separation removes the thermal bridge that would otherwise connect the warm interior to the cold exterior through the fastener, eliminating the energy loss while maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulation support apparatus serves as an intermediary element that provides structural stability through fastening to the exterior sheeting while maintaining a thermal break from the interior. This intermediate layer allows the system to achieve both structural integrity and thermal performance by decoupling the mechanical support function from the thermal conduction path.
3Ease of manufacture
If insulation thickness is compressed between structural members and sheeting, then installation simplicity improves, but thermal performance is reduced due to compression
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the building envelope into distinct functional layers: exterior sheeting, insulation support apparatus, insulation layer, air gap, and interior finishing. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally - the insulation layer maintains its uncompressed thickness for maximum thermal performance while the air gap provides additional thermal resistance and enables solar heat utilization.
4Reliability
If interior fasteners are installed through sheeting into structural members, then insulation support is achieved, but installation time increases and thermal bridging occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by installing the insulation support apparatus and exterior sheeting with attachment fasteners before installing the insulation layer. This sequence allows the support structure to be firmly anchored in advance, eliminating the need for subsequent interior fastening operations and reducing overall installation time while preventing thermal bridges.
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
A building insulation system that creates an air gap between the insulation layer and conductive exterior sheeting
Implementation Method 2
using a tension-supported flexible sheet material with air ducts and heat collection pipes to manage air flow and collect solar heat
Implementation Method 3
heat collection pipes to manage air flow and collect solar heat
Implementation Method 4
collect solar heat
Implementation Method 5
incorporating a subterranean air conditioning system for efficient energy use
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.