Facade Insulating Element with Transverse Ventilation Passages

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing insulating elements in facade constructions, while improving thermal insulation, often hinder the removal of moist air, leading to condensate accumulation and potential damage due to limited ventilation options.

Innovation Solution

An insulating element with transversely connected depressions on its side surfaces and internal cavities that facilitate additional ventilation, allowing for improved air exchange without compromising thermal insulation, and featuring passages that guide screws or fasteners, enabling moisture to be directed from the inner seal to the outer seal for discharge.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If an insulating element is used in the rebate space to improve thermal insulation properties, then thermal insulation is improved, but the removal of moist air is slowed down leading to condensate accumulation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulationVSAvoidmoist air removal
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating element is segmented into multiple sections with longitudinal and transverse passages that divide and channel moist air flow through defined paths from the inner seal area to the outer seal area, enabling effective moisture removal while maintaining insulation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insulating element acts as an intermediary structure between the inner and outer seals, providing a controlled pathway for moisture transport while simultaneously serving as a thermal barrier. The passages within the insulating element mediate the moisture removal process without compromising the overall insulation performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If ventilation chambers are created by indentations on side surfaces, then ventilation is improved, but thermal insulation properties are significantly reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveventilationVSAvoidthermal insulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating element features localized ventilation passages and chambers positioned specifically in regions where moisture removal is most critical, while maintaining solid insulating material in other areas to preserve thermal insulation performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The ventilation system utilizes three-dimensional passages running through the insulating element in longitudinal and transverse directions, creating volumetric ventilation chambers rather than simple surface indentations, which improves ventilation efficiency while minimizing impact on thermal insulation

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

3Ease of operation

If passages run through the insulating element to enable moisture transport, then moisture removal is improved, but the insulating properties are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemoisture removalVSAvoidinsulating properties
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating element incorporates a controlled porous structure with passages and chambers that allow moisture vapor transport while the surrounding solid insulating material maintains thermal barrier functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The insulating element functions as a composite structure combining solid insulating material with integrated ventilation passages, creating a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides thermal insulation and moisture transport capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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

Enhances ventilation and moisture removal, preventing condensate accumulation while maintaining thermal insulation efficiency, thereby protecting facade elements from damage.

Implementation Method 1

depressions arranged on side surfaces of the insulating element to form ventilation chambers are connected to one another via passages running transversely through the insulating element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 2

an insulating element with transversely connected depressions on its side surfaces and internal cavities that facilitate additional ventilation, allowing for improved air exchange without compromising thermal insulation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP3626900B1Insulating element for a facade, window or door structure and facade structure comprising such a insulating element
Publication Date: 2022.12.28 RAICO BAUTECHN
  • EP3626900B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3626900B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6
  • EP3626900B1 patent drawingFigure 7~12

AI summary

The invention relates to an insulating element (16) for a facade, window or door construction, which has recesses (20) on its side surfaces (19) for forming ventilation chambers (21). In order to enable improved ventilation without significant thermal losses, the recesses (20) are connected to each other via openings (23) extending transversely through the insulating element (16).