Clamping Spacer Accessory for Wall Lining Membrane Integrity

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for lining walls with insulation materials often damage the vapor or wind barrier membranes due to piercing during installation, compromising their integrity and sealing performance, and also limit access for maintenance or upgrades of cables and pipes.

Innovation Solution

A spacer device with jaws that clamp the membrane without piercing it, using a mechanism with threads or quarter-turn systems to securely attach the lining frame to the structure while maintaining the membrane's integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the membrane is placed on the inside of the lining frame, then the membrane is not penetrated by the spacer accessory and remains intact, but the fasteners still pierce the membrane when fixing the lining partition, compromising airtightness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemembrane integrityVSAvoidpiercing damage from fasteners

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary component (the jaw assembly with clamping mechanism) that mediates between the spacer accessory and the membrane. Instead of directly piercing the membrane, the jaws clamp onto the membrane from the front side, providing a non-piercing attachment method that maintains membrane integrity while achieving the desired fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the traditional attachment approach by clamping the membrane from the front side rather than piercing it from the back side. This inversion of the attachment direction allows the membrane to remain intact while still achieving secure fixation to the lining frame.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If the membrane is placed in front of the wall framing, then it protects cables and wiring accessories, but it leaves no gap between the membrane and the wall framing, making access for maintenance impossible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemembrane protectionVSAvoidaccess for maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the attachment system into multiple components: the spacer accessory, the jaw assembly, and the membrane. This segmentation allows the membrane to be attached to the spacer accessory rather than directly to the wall framing, creating a detachable interface that maintains protection while enabling future access for maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a dynamic attachment system where the jaw assembly can be detached from the spacer accessory. This dynamic configuration allows the membrane to remain in place for protection during normal operation, while enabling easy removal and reattachment for maintenance access when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If the membrane is pierced during installation, then the spacer accessory can be attached to the structure, but the puncture compromises the sealing function and may initiate tears

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment installationVSAvoidsealing function

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the jaw assembly as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between the spacer accessory and the membrane. The jaws clamp onto the membrane without piercing it, allowing the spacer accessory to be attached to the structure while maintaining the membrane's sealing function and integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical piercing system with a clamping mechanism. Instead of using sharp edges or piercing fasteners to attach the spacer accessory, the system uses a jaw assembly that applies clamping force to secure the membrane, eliminating the need for punctures and preserving the sealing function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 allows for the installation of membranes without breaking their integrity, preventing tearing and ensuring the membrane remains intact, while also allowing for easy access and maintenance of cables and pipes without removing the membrane.

Implementation Method 1

coupling means allow axial clamping of said jaws with each other by rotation of the second jaw relative to the first jaw

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThreading: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP3822427B1Spacing accessory for lining a wall

Publication Date: 2022.11.02 SAINT GOBAIN ISOVER

Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~3
Figure 4a~4b

AI summary

The present invention relates to a bracing accessory (10) for fixing a lining frame (F) on a structure to be lined (C), said device comprising a main portion (11) extending along an axial direction (X1) one end of which is provided with means for its fixing (14) to the structure to be lined (C) and the other end of which is provided with means for attaching (13) at least one membrane (M), characterized in that said attachment means (13) comprise a first jaw (15) surrounding the main portion and a second jaw (17) carried by the first jaw, coupling means (16) allowing axial clamping of said jaws (15, 17) to each other, these two jaws being arranged to pinch the membrane together after assembly, said membrane remaining intact after assembly.