Insulation Panel Support for Vacuum Insulated Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum insulated panels (VIPs) require careful handling and support to maintain their airtight enclosure during installation on horizontal or inclined roof or ceiling structures, as traditional mechanical attachment methods can damage the panels and are not suitable for all installation angles, leading to potential loss of interior space.
Innovation Solution
A support system comprising plate elements with central and lower support portions that allow direct or indirect fixation to the roof structure, enabling the attachment of cover boards via mechanical means without compromising the airtight enclosure, while minimizing interior space loss by positioning the framework close to the panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If mechanical attachment methods (bolts or screws) are used to attach cover boards to the VIP support structure, then the attachment strength and reliability are improved, but the risk of damaging the airtight enclosure of the VIP panels increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into separate functional elements: a mounting structure that attaches to the roof structure, and lower support portions that contact the VIP panels. The bolting mechanism is integrated into the mounting structure rather than directly contacting the VIP panels, segmenting the harmful mechanical attachment force from the sensitive airtight enclosure.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure acts as an intermediary between the roof structure and the VIP panels. The upper support portion with bolt holes provides mechanical attachment to the roof structure, while the lower support portions provide gentle contact support to the VIP panels, mediating the connection without transmitting damaging mechanical forces to the airtight enclosure.
2Reliability
If cover boards are attached at a distance from the VIP panels to avoid damage, then the safety and integrity of the VIP enclosure are improved, but the loss of interior space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure provides localized support at specific points (lower support portions) rather than requiring a uniform distance across the entire ceiling area. This allows the framework to be positioned as close as possible to the VIP panels at critical contact points while maintaining enclosure integrity, minimizing overall interior space loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure extends in the vertical dimension between the roof structure and the VIP panels, allowing the framework to be positioned close to the panels in the horizontal plane while providing support from above. This dimensional arrangement enables close spacing without direct contact that could cause damage.
3Ease of operation
If adhesive attachment is used for cover boards on horizontal or slightly inclined surfaces, then the simplicity and ease of installation are improved, but the applicability to various installation angles and safety requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure with integrated lower support portions provides a universal mounting solution that works for horizontal ceilings, inclined ceilings, and vertical walls. The mechanical support and attachment capability through the mounting structure remain effective across different installation angles, eliminating the need for adhesive-based solutions that are angle-dependent.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention is related to a support (1) formed of plate elements rigidly connected together, and comprising a central plate element (4) configured to be directly or indirectly fixed to a roof structure (3) so that the central plate element hangs down from the roof structure, and lower support portions (7,8) extending along a lower edge (6) of the central plate element (4), oriented essentially perpendicular thereto, and shifted one with respect to the other along said lower edge (6). The lower support portions (7,8) are configured to support two adjacent vacuum insulated panels (2) along the edges of the panels. At least one of the lower lateral support portions (7,8) serves as an attachment location for a framework comprising multiple elongate profiles (9) to which a cover board (10) can be fixed. The invention is also related to an insulated ceiling structure provided with multiple supports (1) according to the invention, which maintain a plurality of insulation panels, whilst a framework is attached to the supports, and cover boards are fixed to the framework. The invention is also related to a method for installing vacuum insulated panels (2) and cover boards to a roof or ceiling structure using supports (1) according to the invention.