Insulated Thermal Break Device for Garage Door Threshold
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional insulation mechanisms are ineffective in preventing heat loss through concrete slab foundations, especially in colder climates, as the concrete acts as a conductive route for heat transfer from the interior to the exterior of buildings, leading to increased energy costs and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
An insulated garage door threshold system featuring a thermal break device with an elongated sill member and base member, combined with insulation material, is installed to create a barrier between the heated interior and exterior, minimizing heat transfer by forming a receiving pocket for insulation and providing a seal when the door is closed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional insulation mechanisms are used, then some insulation is provided, but heat loss through concrete slab foundations remains high due to high thermal conductance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a thermal break device as an intermediary element installed at the garage door threshold. This device includes an insulated barrier that physically interrupts the thermal bridge between the heated garage interior and the cold exterior concrete slab. The thermal break device acts as a mediator that blocks heat flow without requiring complete reconstruction of the foundation, thereby reducing heat loss while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulation system is segmented into distinct components: the existing concrete foundation, the thermal break device with its insulated barrier, and the garage floor structure. By segmenting the insulation approach, the patent allows targeted insulation at the critical thermal bridge location (door threshold) rather than requiring insulation of the entire foundation, thus reducing overall energy loss while keeping the device complexity manageable.
2Loss of energy
If insulated garage doors are used, then heat loss through the door is reduced, but heat loss through the concrete floor at the door opening remains significant
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal break device is designed to be installed during the concrete pouring process or before the garage floor is completed. The device includes features such as embedded anchors or integration with the concrete formwork that allow it to be positioned correctly before the final floor structure is in place. This preliminary installation approach ensures the thermal barrier is in position to prevent heat loss through the floor-at-door-opening, and simplifies the overall installation by incorporating the thermal break into the initial construction phase rather than requiring later modification.
3Strength
If the concrete floor extends through the garage door opening, then structural continuity is maintained, but a conductive route for heat transfer is created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing the thermal break device specifically at the garage door opening location where the concrete floor would otherwise provide continuous thermal conduction. The insulated barrier is positioned locally at this critical point to interrupt heat flow, while the rest of the concrete foundation maintains its structural continuity and load-bearing function. This localized intervention prevents heat transfer without compromising overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal break device serves as an intermediary element inserted between the interior and exterior concrete floor sections at the door opening. It includes an insulated barrier that physically separates the thermal pathways while allowing the structural components to remain connected for load transfer. This mediator approach maintains structural continuity where needed while blocking thermal conduction at the same location.
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 effectively reduces heat loss, enhances energy efficiency, and complies with building codes by creating a thermal break between the interior and exterior, thereby lowering heating costs and improving comfort in cold weather.
Implementation Method 1
The insulation member is configured to be positioned adjacent to at least one of the bottom surface of the elongated sill member and the inner surface of the elongated base member, such that the thermal break device and the insulation member are configured to provide a thermal break between an interior of a building structure and an exterior of a building structure
Data Source
AI summary
A threshold system with an insulated thermal break device configured to provide a thermal break for insulating a door opening and related methods is provided.