Basalt Fiber Cladding Panel with Clip-On Caps

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing covering panels for walls and ceilings are difficult to mount and dismantle efficiently, lacking a secure and easy-to-use fastening system that also allows for integration of electrical and thermal components.

Innovation Solution

A covering panel made of basalt fibers with clip-on caps that can be fixed using a press-stud type fastening element, allowing for easy mounting and dismantling, and featuring a stiffening coating with various materials for fire resistance and structural reinforcement, along with channels for conduits and integrated components like RFID chips and LEDs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If existing covering panels are used for walls and ceilings, then coverage and protection are provided, but mounting and dismantling are difficult and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of mounting and dismantlingVSAvoidtime required for installation and removal
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The panel incorporates discrete fastening elements (buttons, clips, or snap-fasteners) distributed at specific locations, dividing the fastening function into separate modular components rather than requiring continuous attachment across the entire panel surface. This segmentation enables quick attachment and detachment operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening elements are pre-integrated into the panel structure during manufacturing, with buttons, clips, or snap-fasteners positioned at predetermined locations. This preliminary integration eliminates the need for on-site fastening component installation, enabling immediate mounting when the panel is installed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a secure fastening system is implemented, then mounting stability is improved, but the complexity of the panel structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecuring of the panelVSAvoidpanel structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening elements (buttons, clips, or snap-fasteners) are integrated directly into the panel structure during manufacturing, merging the fastening function with the panel body. This integration eliminates separate fastening components that would need to be installed separately, maintaining structural simplicity while ensuring secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The panel structure is designed to accommodate multiple fastening mechanisms (buttons, clips, or snap-fasteners) that can be selected based on specific application requirements. This multi-functional design allows the same panel structure to provide secure fastening across different installation scenarios without requiring complex specialized structures.

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

3Object-affected harmful factors

If basalt fiber layer is used, then fire resistance and thermal insulation are provided, but the panel lacks structural reinforcement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire resistance and thermal insulationVSAvoidstructural reinforcement
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The panel employs a composite structure combining a basalt fiber layer (providing fire resistance and thermal insulation) with a cementitious coating layer (providing structural reinforcement). The cementitious layer contains reinforcing elements such as mesh, fibers, or aggregates that enhance mechanical strength while the basalt fiber layer maintains thermal and fire performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP3388230B1Skin panel and method for manufacturing a skin panel
Publication Date: 2021.10.20 GITZHOFER CHRISTOPH
  • EP3388230B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3388230B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b

AI summary

The invention relates to a cladding panel, particularly one made of basalt fibers, and a method for manufacturing such a cladding panel. To create a cladding panel according to the preamble that can serve as a covering for substrates such as walls or ceilings and that can be easily installed and removed, it is proposed that the cladding panel (10) comprise: • a two- or three-dimensional layer of basalt fibers (11), • caps placed in openings (12) made in the basalt fiber layer (11) to which they are attached, said caps being designed to be fastened by clipping onto a snap-button type fastener, and • a stiffening coating (13) applied to the basalt fiber layer (11). Thanks to the caps, it is possible to create a cladding panel that can be easily installed and removed from walls or ceilings.