Thermal Insulation Panel Gas Diffusion Barrier

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thermal insulation panels with cellular structures face issues such as gas diffusion due to micro-hole punching in gas-impermeable coverings, low dimensional stability, poor resistance to abrasion and walking, incompatibility with adhesives, lack of fire-resistant protection, and vulnerability to water contamination.

Innovation Solution

A thermal insulation panel with a central expanded insulator core sandwiched between two layers: one comprising fibreglass support with a mineral covering and the other a gas-impermeable adhesive layer, preventing gas diffusion and enhancing structural rigidity, compatibility with adhesives, fire resistance, and water resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a thin aluminum foil covering is used to prevent gas diffusion, then gas-tightness is improved, but the covering is easily perforated by direct contact with fibreglass, compromising insulating properties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas-tightnessVSAvoidresistance to perforation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the fibreglass and the aluminum foil covering. This intermediate layer prevents direct contact between the sharp fibreglass and the thin aluminum foil, thereby preventing perforation while maintaining gas-tightness. The intermediary acts as a protective buffer that preserves the integrity of the gas-impermeable covering.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite structure consisting of multiple layers with different functions: a fibreglass layer for dimensional stability, a gas-impermeable aluminum foil layer for preventing gas diffusion, and an intermediate protective layer for preventing perforation. This composite material approach combines the advantages of each material while mitigating their individual weaknesses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If gas-impermeable covering is applied to prevent gas diffusion, then insulating properties are improved, but the panel becomes incompatible with adhesives, resins, and mortars due to smooth surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas-tightnessVSAvoidcompatibility with adhesives
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the panel surface into distinct functional layers: the aluminum foil layer maintains gas-tightness, while a separate outer layer provides surface properties compatible with adhesives, resins, and mortars. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by giving different parts of the panel surface different properties. The inner layer remains smooth and gas-impermeable, while the outer layer is treated or composed of material that provides adhesion compatibility. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction between gas-tightness and adhesive compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If thin aluminum foil covering is used, then gas diffusion is prevented, but the panel has low resistance to water and is vulnerable to algae and mould contamination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas-tightnessVSAvoidwater resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite multi-layer structure where the aluminum foil layer provides gas-tightness, while outer protective layers provide water resistance and protection against algae and mould. Each layer addresses specific harmful factors, creating a comprehensive protection system that maintains gas-tightness while adding resistance to water and biological contamination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Stability of the object's composition

If fibreglass is used to provide dimensional rigidity, then structural stability is improved, but direct contact with aluminum foil causes micro-hole punching and gas diffusion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedimensional stabilityVSAvoidgas-tightness
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary protective layer between the fibreglass and the aluminum foil. This intermediary prevents the sharp fibreglass from directly contacting and perforating the aluminum foil, thereby maintaining gas-tightness while preserving the dimensional stability provided by the fibreglass structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 panel maintains long-term gas-tightness, structural integrity, and improved resistance to abrasion and water, allowing for effective handling and adhesion, while protecting against fire and contamination.

Implementation Method 1

a layer comprising a fibreglass support (4a, 4b) with a mineral covering (5a, 5b) placed on the side opposite to said expanded insulator core (2) and a gas-impermeable adhesive layer (6b, 7b) adapted to prevent the diffusion of the gaseous phase from said expanded insulator core (2) towards the outside of the panel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas diffusion prevention: Diffusion Barrier

Data Source

PatentEP2333180B1Panel for thermal insulation, particularly for construction
Publication Date: 2016.10.05 SILCART SPA
  • EP2333180B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

A panel for thermal insulation, particularly for construction, comprising a central body (C), constituted by an expanded insulator with a cellular structure, sandwiched between two layers each composed of two elements (A, B), the element (A) being constituted by a fibreglass support (4a, 4b) with a mineral covering (5a, 5b), the element (B) being constituted by an adhesive (6a, 6b), for adhesion to the fibreglass support (4a,4b), and by a covering (7a, 7b) that is impermeable to gases and therefore to the outward diffusion of the gaseous phase.