Insulated Roofing With Load Profiles Preserving Panel Thickness

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing insulated roofing systems face issues such as damage to insulation thickness due to perforation, high cost, thermal bridging, and suboptimal load distribution, which affect thermal resistance and increase construction time and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A roofing system with load-distributing profiles and insulating panels that are directly attached to a support structure, using adhesive and fasteners, and supported by spacer profiles to maintain insulation integrity and facilitate easy installation, reducing the need for wooden battens and allowing for various cladding materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If wooden battens or metal profiles are embedded in insulation boards to support and anchor loads, then the insulation boards can bear loads, but the insulation thickness is reduced and thermal resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload-bearing strengthVSAvoidthermal resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the load-bearing function from the insulation function by using distinct components: a support structure for loads and insulating slabs for thermal insulation. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromising the other, eliminating the need to embed structural elements within the insulation material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A intermediary layer or interface is introduced between the support structure and the insulating slabs, allowing loads to be distributed through the support structure while preserving the full thickness and thermal properties of the insulation layer. This mediator prevents direct contact between structural elements and insulation material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If insulating slabs are fixed to support structure using adhesives and dowels, then the insulation is secured, but the insulation thickness is reduced due to perforation and bonding layers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing reliabilityVSAvoidinsulation thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing mechanism is extracted from the insulation slabs and transferred to the support structure. Instead of perforating and bonding insulation slabs directly, the support structure provides anchoring points that secure the insulation slabs without compromising their thickness or requiring extensive perforation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure is pre-configured with anchoring elements and bonding interfaces before insulation slabs are installed. This preliminary preparation allows for secure fixation without requiring post-installation perforation or thick bonding layers that would reduce insulation thickness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Strength

If laths or joists are used to support and anchor loads, then loads can be fixed to the roof structure, but the construction complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload distribution capabilityVSAvoidconstruction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, anchors loads, and facilitates the installation of insulation slabs. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate laths or joists, reducing construction complexity while maintaining load distribution capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The functions of load support, load anchoring, and insulation fixation are merged into a single integrated support structure. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate structural elements like laths and joists, simplifying the overall construction process while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of manufacture

If a wood layer is added on top of insulation to fix sheet metal elements, then sheet metal can be attached to insulation, but construction cost and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesheet metal attachment capabilityVSAvoidconstruction time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure serves as an intermediary that directly facilitates the attachment of sheet metal elements to the insulation system. This intermediary interface eliminates the need for separate wood layering, reducing construction time and cost while maintaining attachment capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure is pre-configured with attachment interfaces and bonding capabilities before sheet metal installation. This preliminary preparation allows for direct attachment of sheet metal elements without requiring subsequent wood layering, reducing construction time and material costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 system reduces construction time and cost while maintaining thermal resistance and versatility, ensuring easy installation and improved load distribution without compromising insulation integrity.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of insulating panels (16) attached to said support structure (11)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

a plurality of cladding elements (14) connected to the plurality of load-distributing profiles (13) by means of second fastening means (18)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP4644633A1Insulated roofing, flat or pitched, for construction
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 STIFERITE SPA
  • EP4644633A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4644633A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4644633A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to an insulated roofing (10), flat or pitched, for building construction, characterised in that it comprises, arranged in the following order - a support structure (11) arranged substantially horizontally or inclined - a vapour barrier layer (30) placed on said support structure (11), - an insulating layer (12) made from a plurality of insulating panels (16) attached to said support structure (11), - a plurality of load-distributing profiles (13) which are facing in contact with said insulating layer (12) and are operatively connected to said insulating layer (12) by means of fastening and load distribution means, said plurality of load distribution profiles (13) being fixed to said support structure (11) by means of adhesives and/or first fastening means (17), each load distribution profile (13) comprising a longitudinal plate (20a) configured to face said one or more side-by-side insulating panels (16) - a plurality of cladding elements (14) defining a waterproofing or rainwater-diverting covering (40), said cladding elements (14) being connected to said plurality of load-distributing profiles (13) by means of second fastening means (18).