C-Profile Wall Element Fixation for Thin Insulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wall elements with C-shaped or U-shaped carrier profiles face challenges in securely affixing insulation panels of varying thicknesses, particularly when the panel thickness is only a part of the distance between the profile legs, leading to potential instability and inefficient use of insulation material.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves a C-shaped carrier profile with an inwardly extending leg end part and a fixation element formed from the base part, creating a M-shaped cross section, which securely holds the thinner insulation panel in place using a folded section or end parts, and optionally arbors for additional stability, ensuring precise and stable fixation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If a thinner insulation panel is used (thickness less than the distance between profile legs), then material is saved and cost is reduced, but the panel cannot be securely affixed within the profile

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsulation materialVSAvoidpanel fixation
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The base part of the profile is segmented into multiple fixation elements that protrude into the receiving space. These fixation elements are distributed across the base part to provide multiple attachment points for the insulation panel, ensuring secure fixation even when the panel is thinner than the distance between profile legs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fixation elements protrude from the base part into the receiving space in the transverse direction, creating a three-dimensional fixation structure. This dimensional extension allows the panel to be mechanically engaged at multiple points within the limited space between the profile legs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the receiving space is completely filled with insulation material, then insulation effectiveness is maximized, but material cost increases and installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat/cold insulationVSAvoidinsulation material
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of completely filling the receiving space with insulation material, the invention uses partial filling combined with fixation elements. The fixation elements provide the necessary mechanical retention and thermal bridge disruption, allowing reduced insulation material quantity while maintaining adequate thermal performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The fixation elements act as intermediaries between the profile structure and the insulation panel. They provide mechanical engagement and create thermal discontinuities that enhance the overall insulation effectiveness, compensating for the reduced volume of insulation material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the receiving space is completely filled with insulation material, then insulation effectiveness is maximized, but installation precision and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat/cold insulationVSAvoidpanel positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation elements are pre-formed as integral parts of the profile structure during manufacturing. This preliminary creation of fixation features eliminates the need for precise field installation of separate fixation components, reducing installation complexity and improving positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The fixation elements are formed from the profile material itself through folding or bending operations. The profile structure serves its own fixation function without requiring additional separate components, simplifying both manufacturing and installation processes while ensuring precise panel positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP1923520B1Wall Element
Publication Date: 2011.01.12 KNAUF INSAAT VE YAPI ELEMANLARI SANAYI VE TICARET
  • EP1923520B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1923520B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a wall element (1), comprising at least one carrier profile (2) and at least one plane panel (3) made of an insulating material, wherein the profile (2) has a substantial C-shaped cross section with a base part (4) and two legs (5, 6) connected with the base part (4), wherein one side (7) of the panel (3) is located in a receiving space (8) formed by the C-shaped profile (2). To securely arrange the panel, which does not completely fill out the receiving space, the invention is characterized in that a fixation element (9) is arranged at the base part (4) for clamping the panel (3) between the fixation element (9) and one leg (5, 6).