Thermal Insulating Fastener Assembly for Structural Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing construction connectors fail to efficiently provide thermal insulation, structural support, and cost-effectiveness while being easy to install and resistant to weather damage, leading to delays and increased costs in building projects.
Innovation Solution
A fastener assembly with a rectangular base, end, and side panels, featuring thermal breaking properties and S-shaped flaps that create an insulative air barrier, allowing for quick and accurate installation of building components with reduced material usage and friction, using materials like steel, aluminum, or molded plastic to connect exterior and interior building components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional connectors are used to attach cladding to building structures, then structural support is provided, but thermal insulation performance deteriorates due to direct metal-to-metal contact creating heat transfer paths
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener assembly combines metal panels (for structural strength) with thermally insulative material layers (for thermal breaking). This composite structure allows the connector to provide both mechanical support and thermal insulation simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between structural strength and heat transfer prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermally insulative material acts as an intermediary layer between the metal base panel and the cladding or building structure. This intermediate layer breaks the direct thermal bridge while maintaining the structural connection, preventing heat transfer without sacrificing load-bearing capacity.
2Loss of energy
If connectors are installed to create air cavities for insulation, then thermal insulation improves, but installation time increases due to complex installation procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the structural support function and the thermal insulation function into a single integrated fastener assembly. The insulative material is pre-attached to the base panel, combining multiple functions (structural connection + thermal breaking + air barrier creation) into one component, thereby reducing installation steps and time while maintaining insulation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermally insulative material is pre-positioned on the base panel during manufacturing, creating a ready-to-install assembly. This preliminary action eliminates the need for separate installation steps to add insulation material on-site, reducing installation time while ensuring proper insulation placement.
3Loss of energy
If more insulative material is used to improve thermal breaking, then thermal insulation performance improves, but material costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thermally insulative material is applied specifically to areas where thermal breaking is most critical - the portions of the base panel that contact or approach the cladding or building structure. This localized application provides effective thermal insulation without requiring insulation throughout the entire fastener assembly, reducing material usage and complexity.
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 fastener assembly effectively reduces heat transfer, minimizes installation time, and lowers construction costs by providing a durable, easy-to-use thermal insulative solution that maintains structural integrity and reduces material waste.
Implementation Method 1
the additional layer of air formed by the connectors between the cladding and the interior building structure serve to insulate and reduce heat loss
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener and an assembly for making space and adding support between external and internal building components, both serving as and creating a thermal barricade between building components, where the fastener saves time and significant cost in the construction process.