Accordion Insulation Sheet Surface Layer for Rainproof Seams

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing accordion-like folded sheets of insulating plates struggle with rainwater accumulation in joint regions, leading to unwanted melting of snow, and require separate joint protection coverings that are difficult to install.

Innovation Solution

The sheet of insulating plates features a surface layer on its upper surface, alternately attached to and detached from the lamellae in groups of two, which prevents rainwater from entering the seam regions between the lamellae, eliminating the need for separate joint protection coverings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate joint protection coverings are used to prevent rainwater from entering joint regions, then water protection is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater protectionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protective function is merged into the surface layer itself, which is alternately attached and detached to the insulating plates. This eliminates the need for separate joint protection coverings, as the surface layer performs both the protective function and maintains the accordion structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The surface layer serves multiple functions: it protects against rainwater penetration, maintains the accordion-like folded structure, and provides a uniform upper surface. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for additional separate protection components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate joint protection coverings are used to prevent rainwater accumulation, then water protection is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater protectionVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The protective function is integrated into the surface layer that is already part of the accordion structure, eliminating the need for separate installation steps for joint protection coverings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The surface layer automatically provides protection at joint regions through its alternating attachment pattern, without requiring additional manual installation of separate protection components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the surface layer is continuously attached to all insulating plates, then water protection is improved, but the accordion-like folding capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater protectionVSAvoidfolding capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The surface layer is segmented into sections that are alternately attached and detached to successive insulating plates. This segmentation allows the structure to fold accordion-style while maintaining water protection at joint regions where the surface layer is attached.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The surface layer is strategically attached only at specific locations (alternating insulating plates) rather than continuously across all plates. This local attachment pattern provides water protection where needed (at joints) while preserving folding capability where not attached.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Device complexity

If the sheet structure is simplified without separate joint protection, then device complexity is reduced, but water protection at joint regions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidwater protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The surface layer is attached with varying properties at different locations - attached at alternating plates to provide protection, and detached at others to allow folding. This local variation in attachment quality achieves both simplicity and effective water protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

This solution effectively prevents rainwater from accumulating in the joint regions, thereby reducing snow melting and simplifying installation by eliminating the need for separate joint protection coverings.

Implementation Method 1

a surface layer which is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the sheet of insulating plates alternately attached to and detached from the lamellae of the insulating plates in groups of two successive lamellae of insulating plates

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWaterproofing:

Implementation Method 2

heat insulation materials, such as insulating plates or groups of insulating plates

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP4259297B1Sheet of insulating plates and its use
Publication Date: 2025.02.12 FF FUTURE OY
  • EP4259297B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4259297B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP4259297B1 patent drawingFigure 7

AI summary

Sheet of insulating plates (1) comprising successively placed lamellae of insulating plates (2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b) attached to each other at their edge side which is cross directional in relation to the longitudinal direction (P) of the sheet of insulating plates, alternately at the upper corners and lower corners of the cross directional edge sides, whereby thus formed uniform sheet of insulating plates comprising several lamellae of insulating plates can be folded into accordion-like folded stack of lamellae of insulating plates and unfolded again into a uniform sheet of insulating plates, which sheet of insulating plates has an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface of the sheet of insulating plates comprises a surface layer (5) which is arranged in the longitudinal direction (P) of the sheet of insulating plates alternately attached to and detached from the lamellae of the insulating plates (2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b) in groups of two successive lamellae of insulating plates.