Thermal Clip Insulation for Structural Building Components

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Solution Overview

Problem

Building components, particularly windows and doors, face significant thermal energy loss due to convection and radiation, leading to inefficient energy use and increased heating costs, as existing insulation methods are inadequate in addressing these modes of heat transfer.

Innovation Solution

A structural assembly featuring a support member with a thermal clip that extends less than the full length underneath glazing panels, utilizing an air gap and non-thermally-conductive materials to reduce thermal energy loss, combined with weather stripping to prevent fluid infiltration and enhance insulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If existing insulation methods are used in windows and doors, then some thermal protection is provided, but thermal energy loss due to convection and radiation remains significant

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal energy lossVSAvoidconvection and radiation heat transfer

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary thermal break system consisting of thermal clips and support members that physically separate and thermally isolate the interior and exterior portions of the window frame. This intermediary structure interrupts the direct thermal pathway, reducing heat transfer by conduction while also minimizing convection and radiation between the warm interior side and cold exterior side.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The thermal break system employs composite construction combining different materials with complementary thermal properties - thermal clips made of low-conductivity materials attached to support members, creating a multi-material assembly that collectively resists all three modes of heat transfer (conduction, convection, and radiation) more effectively than single-material solutions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If full-length support members are used under glazing panels, then structural support is maximized, but thermal energy loss through conduction increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidthermal energy loss via conduction

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The support function is segmented into multiple discrete thermal clips distributed along the support member rather than a continuous full-length support. This segmentation provides sufficient structural support at key locations while creating thermal breaks between segments, reducing the continuous conduction pathway that would exist with unbroken support members.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The thermal clips are strategically positioned at specific locations where structural support is most needed, rather than providing uniform support along the entire length. This local quality approach concentrates structural reinforcement where required while minimizing thermal conduction pathways in non-critical areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 solution effectively reduces thermal energy loss from the building interior to the exterior, improving thermal performance and energy efficiency by minimizing conduction, convection, and radiation heat transfer, as demonstrated by a temperature increase of approximately 7.7 degrees Fahrenheit compared to prior-art assemblies.

Implementation Method 1

A thermal clip is coupled to the support member. The thermal clip insulates the support member from a building exterior.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

utilizing an air gap and non-thermally-conductive materials to reduce thermal energy loss, combined with weather stripping to prevent fluid infiltration and enhance insulation.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 3

Convection takes place as a result of molecular movement, known as currents or convective looping, within fluids.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 4

Radiation is the transfer of thermal energy through electromagnetic waves.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiation: Radiation

Implementation Method 5

combined with weather stripping to prevent fluid infiltration and enhance insulation.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS11486189B2Method and system for insulating structural building components

Publication Date: 2022.11.01 OLDCASTLE BUILDINGENVELOPE

AI summary

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a structural assembly including a first frame member hingedly coupled to a second frame member. A support member extends outwardly from the first frame member. At least one glazing panel is disposed above the support member. A thermal clip is coupled to the support member. The thermal clip insulates the support member from a building exterior. The support member extends less than an entire length thereof and reduces loss of thermal energy from a building interior to the building exterior via the support member.