Sealing Plugs for External Wall Insulation Anchor Holes

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for attaching scaffolding to buildings with external thermal insulation result in visible holes after dismantling, leading to aesthetic issues and increased costs due to potential water infiltration and the need for frequent replacement of insulation layers during subsequent renovations.

Innovation Solution

A process involving the use of a device with tubes and sealing plugs that allow for the anchoring of scaffolding without damaging the insulation layer, enabling the reuse of existing anchoring holes and maintaining the integrity of the thermal insulation, while ensuring the plugs blend in aesthetically with the building's paint tone.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If anchors are removed after scaffolding dismantling, then scaffolding can be taken down, but holes remain visible and compromise aesthetics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescaffolding dismantlingVSAvoidbuilding surface appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by installing protective caps on anchor holes before scaffolding dismantling. These caps are placed in advance to prevent visible holes and aesthetic damage before the actual removal operation occurs, ensuring the building surface maintains its appearance throughout and after dismantling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If finishing touch-up is delayed to after scaffolding dismantling, then painting can be completed, but paint tone differences become visible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepainting efficiencyVSAvoidpaint uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses preliminary action by performing all painting and finishing operations before scaffolding dismantling. The protective caps are installed after painting is complete, allowing the entire building surface to be painted uniformly under consistent conditions, eliminating tone differences that would occur with delayed touch-up work

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If large finishing fittings are used to cover holes, then water infiltration is prevented, but future anchor hole locations cannot be identified

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater protectionVSAvoidanchor hole location information

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by using small, individual protective caps for each anchor hole rather than large continuous fittings. This segmentation allows each hole to be independently protected while maintaining visual identification of the underlying anchor hole location, enabling future scaffolding reinstallation at the same positions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The protective caps serve as intermediaries between the anchor holes and the external environment. They provide water protection while being transparent or semi-transparent, allowing the location and shape of the anchor holes to remain visible through the caps for future reference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If EWI layer is cut for anchor holes, then scaffolding anchoring is enabled, but thermal insulation integrity is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescaffolding installationVSAvoidinsulation layer continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by installing protective caps over anchor holes before cutting the EWI layer. This ensures that the insulation material is protected from falling into the holes and maintains its structural integrity, while still allowing anchor installation through the capped holes

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

This solution prevents water infiltration, reduces the need for frequent insulation replacement, and maintains the aesthetic integrity of the building by allowing future scaffolding attachments without re-drilling, while ensuring identical paint tones for the plugs and the building.

Implementation Method 1

This hole is then filled by injecting expanding foam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectExpanding foam: Foam

Data Source

PatentEP3816359B1Method for insulating a building from the outside

Publication Date: 2023.03.15 POISSON OLIVIER

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AI summary

The invention relates to a method for external thermal insulation of a building, the method comprising: - a step of assembling scaffolding; - a step of securing the scaffolding via anchors (4) secured to the wall (3) in anchor holes (2); - a step of installing a layer (6) of thermal insulation, characterized in that the method also comprises: - a step of installing, around each anchor (4), a tube (11) of a device (1) for locating the anchor holes (2) in relation to the layer (6) of thermal insulation, prior to the step of installing the layer (6) of thermal insulation; - a step of installing a sealing plug (14) on each tube (11) for closing the tube (11) after removal of the anchor (4) from the wall (3).