Thermally Decoupled Building Profile with Plastic Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-load-bearing outer walls in dry construction suffer from high thermal conductivity due to metal profiles, which allow heat transfer from the interior to the exterior, and existing solutions compromise on rigidity and manufacturing ease.
Innovation Solution
A profile comprising two parallel metal profile strips with a gap, connected by low thermal conductivity plastic or fiber-plastic composite connecting elements that are latched into grooves, providing thermal decoupling and high rigidity without additional fastening means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal profiles are used for the substructure, then high strength and rigidity are achieved, but thermal conductivity increases causing heat loss
Solution Approach 1:
The profile is divided into two separate metal profile strips that are spaced apart from each other, creating a thermal break. The connecting elements join the strips at discrete points rather than providing continuous thermal conduction, segmenting the thermal path and reducing heat transfer through the profile.
Solution Approach 2:
Connecting elements made of material with lower thermal conductivity than the metal profile strips are introduced as intermediaries. These connecting elements join the two metal strips while providing thermal resistance, acting as a mediator that reduces heat transfer between the interior and exterior metal surfaces.
2Loss of energy
If connecting elements are added to reduce thermal conductivity, then heat transfer is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting elements combine multiple functions into a single component: they mechanically join the two metal profile strips together while simultaneously providing thermal resistance. This merging of structural and thermal functions reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall profile design.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting elements are designed to be self-aligning and self-securing, with features such as recesses that guide insertion and locking projections that automatically engage with the grooves. This self-service design reduces assembly complexity and eliminates the need for additional fastening operations.
3Strength
If multiple connecting elements are used to ensure rigidity, then strength is maintained, but manufacturing cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting elements are pre-formed with integrated locking projections and recesses during manufacturing. The grooves in the metal profile strips are also pre-formed with matching geometries. This preliminary preparation of complementary features enables rapid assembly without requiring complex joining operations, maintaining productivity while ensuring rigid connection.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical fastening systems such as screws, bolts, or rivets are replaced with a snap-fit locking mechanism. The locking projections on the connecting elements engage with the recesses in the grooves through simple insertion and elastic deformation, eliminating the need for threading, tightening, or additional fastening steps, thereby reducing manufacturing time and cost.
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 significantly reduces thermal conductivity while maintaining high strength and rigidity, and can be produced quickly and inexpensively, with improved moisture balance and material efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
connecting elements made of a material with lower thermal conductivity than the metal of the profile strips, by which the two profile strips are mechanically connected... the two profile strips are thermally separated by the connecting elements
Implementation Method 2
the locking connection being formed by a receptacle formed in the grooves into which the connecting elements each lock with a corresponding locking projection, and wherein the receptacles formed in the grooves are each in the form of an opening
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a profile for constructing a non-load-bearing exterior wall for buildings, a non-load-bearing exterior wall for a building comprising at least one such profile, and a building comprising at least one such non-load-bearing exterior wall.