Insulating Wall Structure With Support Profile For VIPs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing insulating wall structures that use Vacuum Insulated Panels (VIPs) for internal wall insulation result in a significant loss of living space due to the need for gaps between VIPs and facing materials, and are fragile, requiring careful handling and installation to avoid damage.

Innovation Solution

The use of support profiles with a first and second support face interconnected by an intermediate portion, fixed to the wall without gaps, allowing VIPs to be securely held in place without increasing the wall thickness, and using adhesives to attach facing materials directly to the support profiles, minimizing the risk of damaging VIPs during installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a gap is provided between VIPs and facing material to protect VIP integrity, then VIP reliability is improved, but wall thickness increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveVIP integrityVSAvoidwall thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

A support profile acts as an intermediary element between the VIP and the facing material. The support profile includes a first support face for receiving the VIP, a second support face for receiving the facing material, and an intermediate portion connecting them. This mediator allows the facing material to be attached to the support profile without requiring direct contact with or gap from the VIP, thus protecting VIP integrity while minimizing wall thickness increase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The support profile is segmented into distinct functional portions: a first support face for VIP contact, a second support face for facing material attachment, and an intermediate portion connecting them. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function optimally - the first face protects the VIP, the intermediate portion provides structural connection, and the second face supports the facing material - thereby resolving the contradiction between protection and thickness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If VIPs are installed without gaps to minimize living space loss, then living space is maximized, but the risk of VIP damage during installation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliving spaceVSAvoidVIP integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support profile serves as a protective intermediary during installation. The facing material is attached to the second support face of the profile, which provides a stable attachment surface that does not require direct contact with the VIP. This mediator allows installers to work with the facing material without risking damage to the VIP, enabling gapless installation while maintaining VIP integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The support profile is pre-assembled with the VIP received on its first support face before the facing material is attached to the second support face. This preliminary arrangement of the VIP on the protected first face, followed by attachment of the facing material to the profile rather than directly to the VIP, allows gapless installation while pre-establishing protection against damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If facing material is attached directly to VIPs, then installation is simplified, but VIP integrity is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation complexityVSAvoidVIP integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support profile is the intermediary that receives both the VIP on its first support face and the facing material on its second support face. This structure simplifies installation by providing a unified framework for attaching the facing material while ensuring the VIP never comes into direct contact with attachment elements, thus maintaining VIP integrity without significantly increasing installation complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The support profile performs multiple functions: it supports the VIP during installation, protects the VIP from damage, provides a stable base for attaching the facing material, and maintains the structural integrity of the wall assembly. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate components, simplifying the overall installation process while protecting the VIP.

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

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 minimizes the loss of living space while maintaining effective thermal insulation by eliminating the need for gaps between VIPs and facing materials, reducing the risk of VIP damage during installation, and enhancing the overall structural integrity and thermal performance of the insulating wall structure.

Implementation Method 1

using adhesives to attach facing materials directly to the support profiles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

Vacuum Insulated Panels (VIPs) contain a gas-tight enclosure surrounding a porous rigid core, from which the air has been evacuated. Such panels offer a high thermal insulation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP3404167B1Insulating wall structure
Publication Date: 2020.07.29 ETEX BUILDING PERFORMANCE INT SAS
  • EP3404167B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3404167B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3404167B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present application provides an insulating wall structure comprising a wall; first and second Vacuum Insulated Panels (VIPs) covering adjacent parts of said wall; a support profile comprising a first support face attached to said wall and a second support face, said support faces being interconnected via an intermediate portion which is interposed between said first and second VIPs; and a building board which is fixed to said second support face with a fastener selected from an adhesive and a hook and loop fastener.