EPS Insulation Panel Fixing System Eliminates Thermal Bridges

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional thermal and acoustic insulation materials, such as polystyrene, have low stiffness, requiring metallic fixing means that create thermal and acoustic bridges, compromising the insulation performance of building walls.

Innovation Solution

A fixing system for tiles using steel brackets integrated into a sintered expanded polystyrene (EPS) panel with graphite, assembled via a bayonet fitting into porcelain stoneware tiles, eliminating direct metallic contact with the wall and allowing thicker insulation panels, and using a non-metallic glue for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If metallic fixing means are used to secure tiles to the wall, then the tiles can be firmly attached, but thermal and acoustic bridges are created that worsen insulation performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidthermal and acoustic bridges
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary element - a plastic fixing profile that mediates between the metallic fixing means and the tile. This plastic profile acts as a thermal and acoustic break, preventing direct contact between metal fixtures and the tile while still providing secure attachment. The profile is inserted into recesses in the tile and secured to the wall with metallic anchors, thereby eliminating thermal and acoustic bridges while maintaining attachment strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If insulating materials are placed directly against the wall, then thermal and acoustic insulation is achieved, but the low stiffness requires metallic fixing means that create thermal bridges

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal and acoustic insulationVSAvoidfixing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the insulating material with the fixing system by integrating plastic fixing profiles directly into the insulating panel structure. The profiles are embedded in recesses within the insulating material during manufacturing, creating a unified component that provides both insulation and fixing functions. This integration eliminates the need for separate fixing elements and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining insulation performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If thicker insulating panels are used, then insulation performance is improved, but the assembly process becomes more difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsulation performanceVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the fixing system into modular components - multiple plastic fixing profiles distributed across the insulating panel - that can be independently installed and secured. Each profile is a separate unit with its own recesses and attachment mechanisms, allowing for distributed fixation points that simplify installation of thicker panels. The modular nature enables easier handling and positioning compared to monolithic fixing systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This solution prevents thermal and acoustic bridges, enabling efficient thermal and acoustic insulation while allowing for easy and quick assembly, maintaining high insulation performance without compromising the integrity of the insulation.

Implementation Method 1

a sintered expanded polystyrene (EPS) panel with graphite, assembled via a bayonet fitting into porcelain stoneware tiles, eliminating direct metallic contact with the wall and allowing thicker insulation panels

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

a sintered expanded polystyrene (EPS) panel with graphite

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Data Source

PatentUS20240191513A1Tile for thermal and acoustic insulation and production method
Publication Date: 2024.06.13 AMA COMPOSITES SRL
  • US20240191513A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The tile for thermal and acoustic insulation has engravings (1) arranged by a diamond disc angled of about 45° along the inside part (2) of the tile (3). Said tile (3) is hung and glued to the hook (4) of the bracket (5), with the brackets (5) fixed inside each panel (6).