Insulation Plate Edge Connecting Elements Drainage Channels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional insulation walls with interconnected plates face issues of moisture penetration due to capillary action and thermal bridges, which existing solutions like self-adhesive tapes and insulating foams fail to address effectively, especially at corner points and over time.

Innovation Solution

The insulation plates feature edge connecting elements such as tongues, grooves, and ridges that form joints like tongue and groove or half lap joints, with integrated drainage channels to collect and drain away moisture, preventing further capillary penetration and providing a permanent solution to thermal bridges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If flat edge sides are used for insulation plates, then the manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but gaps form between plates causing thermal bridges and moisture penetration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidmoisture protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The edge side of the insulation plate is segmented into multiple functional zones: a first connecting element (tongue/groove) for mechanical interconnection, a second connecting element (ridge) for additional support, and an integrated drainage channel. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function while working together to prevent moisture penetration and thermal bridges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The drainage channel is merged directly into the edge side structure of the insulation plate, combining the functions of mechanical connection and moisture drainage in a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate drainage elements and ensures that moisture is actively managed at the joint between plates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If self-adhesive tape is used to seal gaps, then moisture penetration is prevented temporarily, but the tape peels off over time and thermal bridges remain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture sealingVSAvoidsealing durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The drainage channel is designed to be self-draining through gravity, with moisture automatically flowing from the higher joint area down into the channel and out along the edge side. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional sealing materials that could fail over time, providing permanent moisture protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If insulating foam is applied to fill gaps, then thermal bridges are prevented and moisture penetration is reduced, but application is difficult and open gaps may still exist

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegap sealingVSAvoidapplication complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting elements and drainage channel are pre-formed as integral parts of the insulation plate during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures that when plates are assembled, the joints are automatically configured to prevent moisture penetration and thermal bridges, eliminating the need for complex on-site application of sealing materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Loss of energy

If connecting elements are added to improve fit between plates, then thermal bridges are reduced, but moisture can still penetrate through capillary action at closely fitting joints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal bridge reductionVSAvoidmoisture penetration

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The drainage channel acts as an intermediary element within the joint structure, positioned to intercept moisture that may penetrate through capillary action in the closely fitting connecting elements. The channel provides a dedicated pathway for this moisture to be collected and drained away, preventing it from causing damage while maintaining the tight fit needed for thermal efficiency.

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 solution effectively reduces moisture penetration and thermal bridges, enhancing the insulation wall's durability and thermal efficiency by ensuring moisture is collected and drained away, while maintaining the structural integrity of the insulation wall.

Implementation Method 1

moisture penetration due to capillary action

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

drainage channels to collect and drain away moisture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity drainage: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3108072B1Insulation plate and insulation wall made from such insulation plates

Publication Date: 2018.05.09 VANDERSANDEN STEENFAB

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AI summary

The invention provides an insulation wall and insulation plates with which the insulation wall is constructed. The edge sides of the insulation plates are provided with edge connecting elements such as a tongue, a groove or a ridge for forming a tongue and groove joint or a half lap joint between adjacent insulation plates in the insulation wall. At least one drainage channel is provided through the insulation wall for draining away moisture that has penetrated between the insulation plates into the insulation wall. This at least one drainage channel is composed of adjoining drainage channel sections which are provided in the longitudinal direction on the edge connecting elements of the interconnected insulation plates.