Insulation Panel with Projection for Window Sill Thermal Bridge

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing window sill arrangement creates a horizontal thermal bridge due to the use of materials that conduct heat well, resulting in poor thermal insulation between the window frame and the masonry reveal.

Innovation Solution

An insulating element with a plate-shaped design is placed between the window frame and the masonry reveal, featuring a projection that serves as a contact surface for the bank connection and a stop for the window sill, providing excellent thermal insulation by integrating the bank connection or incorporating it within the element itself, thus eliminating heat transfer pathways.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a narrow bank connection strip is used to position window sills, then the window sills can be precisely positioned and attached, but thermal insulation in the horizontal direction deteriorates due to the narrow width and direct contact with heat-conducting window sill materials

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precision of window sillsVSAvoidthermal insulation performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from a narrow horizontal strip (bank connection) to a plate-shaped element with vertical projection, adding the vertical dimension to the insulation structure. The projection extends vertically upward from the plate, creating a three-dimensional insulation configuration that blocks horizontal heat transfer paths while maintaining the positioning function for window sills.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The bank connection is segmented into two functional parts: the plate-shaped base element that provides horizontal positioning and support, and the vertical projection that provides additional thermal insulation. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its specific function while working together to solve the overall thermal insulation problem.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If window sills are made of heat-conducting materials like aluminum or stone, then structural strength and durability are improved, but horizontal thermal bridges are created that worsen thermal insulation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strength of window sillsVSAvoidthermal insulation performance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The plate-shaped insulating element with vertical projection acts as an intermediary between the window frame and the window sills. It positions the sills while creating a thermal barrier that interrupts the direct heat conduction path through the bank connection area, thus mediating between structural requirements and thermal insulation needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of energy

If the bank connection is designed as a hollow-chamber strip, then some thermal insulation is achieved, but the insulation is insufficient especially after window sills directly contact the connection area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulation performanceVSAvoidstructural simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the positioning function and enhanced insulation function into a single integrated plate-shaped element with projection. This unified structure combines the bank connection's positioning role with an extended insulation projection, achieving better thermal performance without significantly increasing structural complexity compared to the original hollow-chamber design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 configuration significantly improves thermal insulation by reducing the heat transfer coefficient to less than a quarter of the original value, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing material usage in window sill manufacturing.

Implementation Method 1

an insulating element which is to be arranged between the underside of a window frame and the reveal masonry... enables excellent thermal insulation in the horizontal direction... the bank connection is on the outside of the projection so that it is sealed to the weather side

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP2492430B1Insulation panel
Publication Date: 2015.02.11 HAPA
  • EP2492430B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2492430B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP2492430B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A plate-shaped insulating element (6) with at least one support section (12) for a window sill (8) and with a projection (15) extending over the length of the element, wherein the insulating element (6) is suitable for being arranged between a window frame (3) which includes a sill connection (9) projecting from the underside (7) of the frame as a stop for a first window sill (8), and a jamb masonry (5), wherein one side of the projection (15) is adjacent to the sill connection (9) when viewed horizontally in the installation position and its other side serves as a stop for a second window sill (10), wherein the projection (15) consists of a first wide projection section (15a) and one or more further, but narrower, projection sections (15b, 15c, 15d) running parallel to it on one side.