Underroof Insulation Hanger With Baffle Sealing for Vapor Barriers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insulation systems for buildings, particularly those using vapor barrier membranes, face challenges in maintaining a satisfactory level of tightness and avoiding damage to the membrane when suspension systems are implemented, as they often require precise installation and can lead to pinching or weakening of the membrane.
Innovation Solution
A part comprising a rod with means for fixing, carrying, and forming a baffle around the stem to insert a sheet, such as a vapor barrier membrane, which includes a washer and end piece that form a baffle to prevent pinching and ensure airtightness, with clearances designed to accommodate the membrane's thickness and prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hanger pierces the vapor barrier membrane to suspend insulation, then the insulation system can be easily installed, but the airtightness of the membrane deteriorates and leaks occur
Solution Approach 1:
A sealing element is introduced as an intermediary component between the hanger rod and the vapor barrier membrane. This sealing element prevents direct piercing contact, maintaining airtightness while allowing the hanger to perform its suspension function. The sealing element acts as a mediator that reconciles the conflicting requirements of easy installation and maintained airtightness.
Solution Approach 2:
The hanger system is segmented into separate functional components: the suspension function (hanger rod) is separated from the sealing function (sealing element). This allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromising the other, enabling easy installation while preserving membrane integrity.
2Strength
If the hanger pierces the vapor barrier membrane for fixation, then the insulation can be securely attached, but the membrane is weakened or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element serves as a protective intermediary between the hanger rod and the vapor barrier membrane. It distributes the mechanical stress over a larger area and prevents concentrated piercing forces that would damage the membrane, thereby maintaining attachment strength without causing membrane weakness or damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element is installed beforehand to cushion and protect the vapor barrier membrane from the harmful effects of direct rod contact. This preventive measure ensures the membrane is already protected before any loading or movement occurs, preventing weakening or damage while maintaining secure attachment.
3Reliability
If measures are taken to restore airtightness around the hanger, then membrane sealing is improved, but installation time and operator skill requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is designed to be pre-installed or pre-positioned on the hanger rod before final assembly. This preliminary action ensures airtightness is established automatically as part of the standard installation process, eliminating the need for additional time-consuming operations to restore airtightness after membrane piercing.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element is designed to automatically perform the airtightness restoration function as an integral part of the hanger assembly process. The system serves itself by incorporating the sealing function into the standard installation sequence, eliminating the need for separate operator interventions to restore airtightness.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a hanger for holding insulation made up of an insulator 4 and a vapor barrier membrane 6, this hanger comprising a rod 10 passing through the insulator and the membrane, a washer 17 to support the insulator 3 and an end piece 18 forming with the washer a baffle to tension the membrane, and ensure its sealing around the rod 10.