Thermally-Isolated Anchoring System With Split Tail Veneer Tie

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing anchoring systems for insulated cavity walls face issues with insulation integrity, thermal conductivity, and pin-point loading, particularly in high-span applications, where they fail to maintain insulation integrity and resist seismic forces effectively.

Innovation Solution

A high-strength, thermally-isolating surface-mounted anchoring system featuring a stepped cylinder wall anchor with strategically placed seals and a split tail veneer tie, which prevents air and moisture infiltration and limits thermal conductivity by using non-conductive elements and self-drilling fasteners.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional pronged wall anchors are used to provide mechanical stability, then structural strength is improved, but insulation integrity deteriorates due to tearing and thermal conductivity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical stabilityVSAvoidinsulation integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The wall anchor is divided into multiple segments: a first leg for structural attachment, a second leg for veneer connection, and an intermediate insulating section. This segmentation allows the anchor to provide mechanical strength while the insulating section prevents thermal bridging and insulation tearing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An insulating material is introduced as an intermediary element between the metal legs of the anchor and the insulation layer. This intermediary prevents direct contact that would cause thermal conductivity issues and insulation tearing, while still allowing mechanical fastening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Temperature

If thicker insulation is used to meet Energy Code R-values, then thermal insulation is improved, but cavity span increases requiring stronger anchoring

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal insulationVSAvoidseismic resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The anchor design extends into the cavity space with legs positioned at different locations and orientations. The first leg attaches to the inner wythe while the second leg reaches to secure the outer wythe, effectively spanning the increased cavity dimension without compromising seismic resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If surface-mounted anchors are used for ease of installation, then ease of operation is improved, but pin-point loading increases causing stud loosening

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidpin-point loading

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The loading path is segmented into multiple attachment points: the first leg distributes load across the inner wythe, the insulating section prevents stress concentration, and the second leg provides additional load distribution at the outer wythe, eliminating pin-point loading.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If continuous wire reinforcement is used for seismic interlock, then seismic resistance is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseismic resistanceVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The anchoring and seismic interlock functions are merged into a single integrated component. The first and second legs of the anchor work together with the insulating section to provide both structural attachment and seismic resistance, eliminating the need for separate wire reinforcement systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 maintains structural integrity, prevents insulation tearing, and enhances thermal insulation while resisting high levels of tension and compression, ensuring effective sealing and connectivity in varied cavity wall structures.

Implementation Method 1

The seals are compressible sealing elements that preclude passage of fluids through the inner wythe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealing:

Implementation Method 2

The fastener is thermally-isolated by a multiplicity of strategically placed seals... The thermally-isolating elements are made from materials that are non-conductive

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS9334646B2Thermally-isolated anchoring systems with split tail veneer tie for cavity walls

Publication Date: 2016.05.10 HOHMANN & BARNARD INC

AI summary

A high-strength thermally-isolating surface-mounted anchoring system for a cavity wall is disclosed. The thermally-isolated anchoring system is adaptable to various structures, including high-span applications, and for use with a split tail veneer tie. The anchoring system includes an anchor base and a stepped cylinder which sheaths the mounting hardware to limit insulation tearing and resultant loss of insulation integrity. The anchoring system is thermally-isolated through the use of multiple strategically placed compressible nonconductive seals or elements. Seals are also provided to preclude penetration of air, moisture, and water vapor into the wall structure.