Insulation Panel Profile System for Thermal Bridge Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wall systems with C-profiles and insulation panels suffer from significant heat loss and reduced sound insulation due to thermal bridging caused by screws and C-profiles, which transport heat energy and reduce the overall insulating capacity.

Innovation Solution

The wall system consists of two independent walls with insulation panels positioned between profiles, where the profiles are secured to the building structure without directly connecting to the outer wall, minimizing thermal bridging and using an air gap for ventilation to prevent condensation, and featuring profiles that extend only partially through the insulation layer to reduce heat conductivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If C-profiles with screws are used to secure insulation panels, then the insulation panels are held in position, but heat loss increases due to thermal bridging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsulation panel positioningVSAvoidheat loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

A profile with base portion and flange portion acts as an intermediary element. The base portion contacts the insulation panel while the flange portion engages with a groove in the panel, creating a mechanical interlocking system that secures the panel without requiring screws that would create thermal bridges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The screw fastening mechanism is completely removed from the system. Instead of using screws to secure the insulation panel to the C-profile, the invention extracts the fastening function and implements it through a groove-flange mechanical interlock system that eliminates thermal bridging pathways.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Strength

If C-profiles extend through the insulation layer, then structural support is provided, but sound insulation capacity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural supportVSAvoidsound transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The profile is segmented into distinct functional portions: a base portion for structural support and contact with the insulation panel, and a flange portion for engagement with the groove. This segmentation allows the profile to provide structural support while minimizing sound transmission pathways through the insulation layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The profile design creates a discontinuous structural path through the insulation layer. By using the groove-flange engagement system rather than continuous C-profiles with screws, the structure provides support while breaking up sound transmission pathways, similar to how flexible or discontinuous elements can reduce acoustic coupling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of manufacture

If profiles extend fully through the insulation layer, then mechanical fastening is simplified, but heat conductivity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening simplicityVSAvoidheat conductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The profile extends only partially through the insulation layer rather than fully across it. The base portion contacts the panel and the flange portion engages the groove, providing sufficient mechanical fastening while leaving the majority of the insulation layer intact to maintain thermal performance. This partial action approach balances fastening simplicity with heat conservation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive 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 design enhances both heat and sound insulation, improves fire resistance by delaying the spread of heat from one side of the wall to the other, and allows for independent installation, making it suitable for renovations and new constructions.

Implementation Method 1

there may be a small air gap ensuring ventilation. This will often be necessary when the wall is an outer wall where the temperature difference may be relatively high, increasing the risk of condensation of vapour.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVentilation: Convection

Implementation Method 2

the insulation layer comprises insulation panels... This type of construction reduces the heat loss through thermal bridges and improves the sound reduction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 3

The two individual walls may be placed closely together and may be fitted together by use of an adhesive

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP1989362B1Insulation system comprising interconnected insulation panels disposed against a wall
Publication Date: 2014.03.26 ROCKWOOL INT AS
  • EP1989362B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1989362B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

This invention relates to a wall system comprising a building wall with an insulating layer, said building wall being the facade wall of a building or an inner wall, said insulating layer comprising insulation panels each insulation panel having first and second substantially parallel major surfaces. The second major surface is facing the building wall, and the insulation panel has at least three, preferably four, minor surfaces, where a slit is made in a minor surface and extending substantially parallel with the major surfaces. The insulation panel is positioned between at least two profiles, each profile having a base portion substantially parallel with and in contact with a part of one minor edge surface of the insulation panel and a flange portion substantially parallel with the major surfaces of the insulation panel and extending into said slit in the minor surface of the insulation panel. The insulation panel having a thickness larger than a width of the base portion of the profiles, and at least one profile is arranged and fastened to parts of the building different from the building wall, so that no elements connected to said profile except the insulation panel span from the first major surface of the insulation panel to the second major surface of the insulation panel.