Wall Cladding Panels With Thermal Break Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wall cladding systems with insulating panels suffer from thermal bridges across hangers and S-clips, which compromise the thermal efficiency of the building façade.
Innovation Solution
A panel system that uses prefabricated wall cladding panels with insulating material, mounted on the building wall using panel connector parts that create a continuous thermal break layer, thereby eliminating thermal bridges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional hangers and S-clips are used to mount wall cladding panels, then the panels can be securely attached to the building wall, but thermal bridges are created that compromise thermal efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces panel connector parts as intermediary components between the building wall and wall cladding panels. These connectors incorporate insulating material that bridges the gap between the structural mounting function and thermal efficiency requirement, eliminating thermal bridges while maintaining secure attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The panel connector parts are constructed as composite structures combining different materials - typically a mounting component (metal or rigid plastic) integrated with insulating material. This composite design allows the connector to simultaneously provide mechanical strength for mounting and thermal insulation to prevent heat transfer
2Loss of energy
If insulating panels are used in wall cladding systems, then thermal insulation is improved, but thermal bridges occur across the mounting hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful thermal bridge function from the mounting system by separating the mounting function from the thermal path. The panel connector parts are designed to interrupt thermal continuity, taking out the thermal bridge pathway that would otherwise exist through traditional metal mounting hardware
Solution Approach 2:
Insulating material within the panel connector parts acts as an intermediary that blocks thermal transfer between the building wall and the exterior cladding panels, preventing thermal bridges while allowing mechanical connection
3Reliability
If multiple separate components (insulating panels, rainscreens, vapor barriers, fire retardants) are assembled on site, then comprehensive wall protection is achieved, but installation complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate wall protection functions into integrated wall cladding panels. The panels incorporate insulating material, vapor barrier membranes, fire retardant treatments, and finishing coatings as unified components, eliminating the need to assemble separate layers on site while maintaining comprehensive protection
Solution Approach 2:
The wall cladding panels are pre-assembled and pre-configured with all necessary protective layers and insulating materials before delivery to the construction site. This preliminary assembly of multiple components into integrated panels reduces on-site installation complexity and time
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 effectively reduces thermal losses by creating a continuous thermal break layer, enhancing the energy efficiency and reducing heat transfer between the building wall and the exterior environment.
Implementation Method 1
Wall cladding panels each comprising insulating material... creating a continuous thermal break layer... reduces thermal losses... reducing heat transfer
Data Source
AI summary
A panel system provides a prefabricated exterior building façade. Various wall claddings and clips for hanging wall claddings are discussed. Panel connector parts are disclosed for hanging wall cladding panels against a building wall. Panel connector parts are disclosed for hanging dual layers of insulating material against a building wall with a drainage cavity or gap defined between the dual layers. A wall cladding system includes: a building wall; a plurality of wall cladding panels each comprising insulating material and defining an external face, a rear face, and side edges, with adjacent of the wall cladding panels abutting one another along respective side edges; panel connector parts mounted on the building wall and mounting the plurality of wall cladding panels as a continuous thermal break layer against the building wall.