Aerogel Thermal Insulation Panel with Vapor Diffusion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional thermal insulation systems for buildings face challenges such as moisture buildup leading to mold and algae formation, increased thermal conductivity, and reduced mechanical stability, while also being combustible and environmentally harmful.

Innovation Solution

A thermal insulation panel and composite system that incorporates aerogel as loose bulk material, allowing for water vapor diffusion and featuring a structural design with internal cavities and a fiberglass fabric for reinforcement, which enhances mechanical stability and reduces thickness while maintaining effective insulation properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If plastic insulation panels (EPS, XPS, PUR) are used, then thermal insulation properties are improved, but moisture diffusion is blocked leading to mold and algae formation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal insulationVSAvoidmold and algae formation

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs aerogel, an ultra-light porous material with extremely low thermal conductivity, as the core insulation material. The porous structure of aerogel allows water vapor diffusion while maintaining superior thermal insulation properties, thereby preventing mold and algae formation while reducing energy loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite thermal insulation system combining aerogel insulation panels with a breathable plaster coating system. This composite structure integrates the high insulation performance of aerogel with the moisture-regulating properties of the plaster layer, achieving both energy efficiency and moisture management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Loss of energy

If insulation panel thickness is increased to improve insulation, then thermal insulation is improved, but facade appearance deteriorates and light incidence is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal insulationVSAvoidlight incidence

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of insulation material thermal conductivity by using aerogel, which has extremely low thermal conductivity (k < 0.020 W/(m·K)). This allows achieving the same insulation performance with significantly reduced thickness compared to conventional materials, thereby maintaining facade aesthetics and light incidence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-generated harmful factors

If aerogel is used as loose bulk material, then water vapor diffusion is improved, but mechanical stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater vapor diffusionVSAvoidmechanical stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent encloses the loose aerogel bulk material within a flexible yet stable envelope structure made of breathable membrane or thin-walled panel. This shell contains the aerogel particles, providing mechanical stability and structural integrity while maintaining water vapor permeability through the enclosing material's inherent porosity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite structure where loose aerogel particles are combined with a stabilizing matrix or enclosed within a structural shell. This composite approach maintains the superior vapor diffusion properties of loose aerogel while the matrix or shell provides the necessary mechanical strength and dimensional stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Loss of energy

If organic polymer insulation materials are used, then thermal insulation is improved, but combustibility increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal insulationVSAvoidcombustibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent fundamentally changes the material composition from organic polymers to inorganic aerogel material. This parameter change eliminates combustibility entirely while maintaining or improving thermal insulation performance, as aerogel is inherently non-combustible despite its superior insulating properties.

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 solution achieves reduced thermal conductivity, improved mechanical stability, and enhanced water vapor diffusion, addressing the limitations of conventional systems while being non-combustible and environmentally friendly.

Implementation Method 1

is open to diffusion along its main insulation direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 2

thermal insulation panel which contains at least one aerogel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS10167631B2Thermal insulation panel

Publication Date: 2019.01.01 INTERBRAN SYST

AI summary

A thermal insulation panel is provided for thermally insulating edifices. The thermal insulation panel contains at least one aerogel and is open to diffusion along the panel's main insulating direction.