Insulation Fixing Kit with Positioning Wings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fixing methods for thermally insulating panels with vacuum-sealed materials, such as silica powder in aluminum foil, are not suitable as they can damage the panels and compromise their thermal and mechanical properties when conventional screws or nails are used, leading to loss of vacuum and insulation effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

A bracing device with anchoring means, positioning wings, and fixing plates that support and hold insulation panels without direct fixing through them, using a T- or L-shaped structure with integral anchoring and positioning components to maintain panel integrity and vacuum seal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional fixing methods (screws, nails, staples) are used to attach insulation panels to the frame, then the panels can be securely fixed, but the panels are damaged and the vacuum seal is broken, causing loss of thermal and mechanical properties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing strengthVSAvoidvacuum seal integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary fixing mechanism where the positioning flange and support plate act as mediators between the frame and the insulation panel. The fasteners are anchored to the frame through the positioning flange, and the support plate bears against the panel edges, distributing the fixing force without penetrating the panel surface, thus maintaining the vacuum seal while achieving secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing system is segmented into distinct functional components: the positioning flange for anchoring fasteners, the support plate for bearing and distributing load, and the bearing surfaces for panel contact. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without compromising the panel integrity, enabling secure fixing while preserving the vacuum seal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Length of moving object

If the insulation panel thickness is reduced to improve thermal efficiency, then the overall building thickness is reduced and thermal performance is improved, but the panels become more vulnerable to damage during installation and fixing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepanel thicknessVSAvoidpanel mechanical strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The support plate acts as a counterbalancing element that compensates for the reduced structural strength of thinner panels. By providing a broad bearing surface that distributes loads across multiple panel edges and connecting to the rigid frame through the positioning flange, the system counteracts the vulnerability of thin panels during installation and service.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

3Productivity

If direct fixing through the insulation panels is used to simplify the installation process, then the installation is faster and easier, but the panels are compromised and lose their insulation effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidinsulation effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning flange is pre-configured with bearing surfaces and geometric features that guide and support the insulation panels during installation. The support plates are positioned in advance to receive panel edges, allowing for quick panel placement without the need for complex alignment or penetration operations, thus maintaining both installation speed and panel integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3783166A1Spacing device comprising a kit for attaching a lining system to a structure to be lined
Publication Date: 2021.02.24 SAINT GOBAIN ISOVER
  • EP3783166A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3783166A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3783166A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a fixing kit for a lining system (100) on a structure to be lined (200), in particular a roof, a wall (222) or a floor, the lining system (100) comprising at least one layer of insulation (110) and a facing, the layer of insulation (110) comprising at least two juxtaposed insulation panels (111), the fixing kit comprising at least one means of anchoring to the structure to be lined (200), at least one support plate for the layer of insulation (110) and at least one fixing plate (320) intended for fixing the facing, the anchoring means comprising at least one positioning wing for the layer of insulation (110).