A composite structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing insulation panels in buildings have a constant heat transfer coefficient, leading to suboptimal comfort and energy efficiency, particularly during half-seasons and summer nights, resulting in energy waste due to inadequate temperature regulation.

Innovation Solution

A composite structure with insulation means having a variable heat transfer coefficient, adjustable based on external and internal temperature conditions, allowing for customizable insulation levels to optimize comfort and energy savings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If insulation panels with constant heat transfer coefficient are used, then internal environment can be maintained at stable temperature, but energy efficiency deteriorates during half-seasons and summer nights due to inability to adapt to pleasant external temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature stabilityVSAvoidenergy waste
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static insulation system into a dynamic one through variable heat transfer coefficient. The insulation panel's thermal conductivity is made adjustable, allowing it to dynamically adapt between high insulation mode (constant coefficient) and high transmission mode (variable coefficient) based on external temperature conditions, thereby resolving the contradiction between temperature stability and energy efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the heat transfer coefficient parameter of the insulation material. By changing this physical parameter from constant to variable, the system can optimize thermal performance across different operating conditions - maintaining high insulation when needed while allowing heat transmission when external conditions are pleasant, thus reducing energy waste without compromising temperature control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If insulation panels with constant heat transfer coefficient are used, then simple structure is maintained, but comfort deteriorates due to inability to propagate pleasant external temperatures internally

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsulation structureVSAvoidthermal comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the insulation properties adjustable rather than fixed. The variable heat transfer coefficient allows the system to transition between insulating and transmitting states, enabling pleasant external temperatures to propagate internally during half-seasons and summer nights, thereby improving comfort without requiring completely complex structural changes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

By changing the heat transfer coefficient parameter, the system achieves adaptive thermal comfort. This parameter modification allows the insulation panel to respond to different environmental conditions, propagating pleasant external temperatures when appropriate while maintaining simple operational control through automated or manual adjustment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of energy

If variable heat transfer coefficient insulation means are used, then energy efficiency is improved through adaptive insulation, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidinsulation system
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces the impact of increased complexity by implementing parameter changes in the insulation material itself rather than adding complex external control systems. The variable heat transfer coefficient is integrated into the insulation means, allowing energy-efficient adaptive insulation through material property modification rather than complex mechanical or electronic systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 variable heat transfer coefficient allows for improved comfort and energy efficiency by adapting to specific environmental conditions, reducing energy consumption through optimal heating and cooling usage.

Implementation Method 1

insulation means having a variable heat transfer coefficient

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3329061B1A composite structure
Publication Date: 2020.01.08 GHISELLINI ROBERTO
  • EP3329061B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3329061B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

An insulation panel, preferably utilisable in construction, in particular in a delimiting wall of a habitable room of a building, preferably in combination with an infill panel or element possibly structurally resistant, the panel exhibiting a variable heat transfer coefficient.