Construction Panel With Active Thermal Layer and Insulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Construction panels made from combustible polymers pose significant fire risks, and existing insulation materials are inefficient in terms of energy consumption for heating and cooling, particularly in the context of increasing global temperatures.

Innovation Solution

The development of construction panels with at least one thermally active layer, comprising electrical heating or cooling elements connected to a source of electrical current, integrated with a thermally insulating layer made from two-phase polyurea silicate systems, which provide improved insulation and structural integrity, and can be configured for efficient energy use and fire resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by stationary object

If construction panels are made from combustible polymer foams to achieve good thermal insulation, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but fire safety deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulation performanceVSAvoidfire safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite materials by combining polymer foam core with external metal layers (steel or aluminum) to create a construction panel that maintains the thermal insulation properties of the polymer foam while adding fire resistance through the metal cladding. This composite structure resolves the contradiction between thermal insulation and fire safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If external metal layers are added to increase structural integrity under fire conditions, then fire resistance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrity under fireVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The construction panel is segmented into distinct functional layers: a polymer foam core for thermal insulation and external metal layers for fire resistance and structural integrity. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently and simplifies the manufacturing process by enabling separate production and assembly of components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If electrical heating elements are added to provide room heating, then heating functionality is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating functionalityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The construction panel incorporates electrical heating elements that enable the panel to self-regulate and provide heating functionality. The panel serves dual purposes: as a structural/insulating element and as an active heating device, reducing the need for separate heating systems and potentially lowering overall energy consumption through integrated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Object-affected harmful factors

If flame retardant additives are incorporated in the foam to improve fire resistance, then fire safety is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire safetyVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the polymer foam by incorporating flame retardant additives, which change the material's fire resistance properties. This parameter change approach allows fire safety improvement through material composition adjustment rather than adding complex structural elements, thereby minimizing manufacturing complexity increases.

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

These panels offer cost-effective and energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions while reducing fire risks, maintaining structural integrity and thermal insulation, and can be adapted for various applications including building structures and vehicle interiors.

Implementation Method 1

said active thermal layer comprising at least an electrical heating element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

said active thermal layer comprising at least an electrical cooling element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPeltier effect: Peltier Effect

Implementation Method 3

at least one insulation layer, at least one active thermal layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP3833540B1Construction panel
Publication Date: 2024.12.04 HEKA GRAPHIT TECH GMBH
  • EP3833540B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2(c)
  • EP3833540B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3833540B1 patent drawingFigure 6(a)~6(c)

AI summary

The present invention concerns a construction panel comprising at least one insulation layer, at least one active thermal layer, said active thermal layer comprising at least an electrical heating and/or an electrical cooling element; and connector means for connecting said at least one active thermal layer to a source of electrical current. The active thermal layer is preferably an active heating or cooling layer.