Timber Portal Frame Connector Reducing Thermal Bridging

The patent applies homogeneity by using timber materials for both the portal frame structure and the connecting components. The frame connector is made of timber or timber-based material, matching the header and column materials, thereby eliminating thermal bridges between dissimilar materials and maintaining uniform thermal performance throughout the structure.

The patent employs composite materials by using engineered timber products such as laminated veneer lumber (LVL) or glulam for the header and columns, and timber-based composite materials for the frame connector. These composite timber materials provide enhanced structural strength while maintaining thermal compatibility, resolving the contradiction between strength requirements and energy efficiency.

The patent uses timber or timber-based materials for the frame connector, header, and columns, ensuring all components have identical shrinkage characteristics. This material homogeneity eliminates differential movement problems that occur when steel and timber are combined, as all timber components shrink and expand uniformly in response to moisture changes.

The patent addresses dimensional stability by selecting timber materials with controlled moisture content and using engineered wood products that have stabilized dimensional properties. The frame connector and timber members are designed to accommodate natural timber movement through appropriate connection geometry and fastening methods, maintaining structural integrity despite environmental variations.

The patent eliminates steel components entirely by using timber or timber-based materials for the frame connector, header, and columns. This material uniformity simplifies the construction process, allows standard timber fabrication techniques, and eliminates the need for specialized steel-timber connection details, thereby reducing construction costs while maintaining structural performance through properly designed timber-to-timber connections.

The patent employs cost-effective timber materials that can be readily sourced and fabricated using conventional woodworking methods. The frame connector and timber members use economical fastening systems such as metal plates, screws, or dowels that are inexpensive and easy to install, providing a cost-efficient alternative to expensive steel portal frames while achieving the required structural performance.