Interlocking Composite Panels for Vacuum Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in efficiently and simply mounting Vacuum Insulating Panel (VIP) type thermal insulation panels in building walls without degrading the panels, while minimizing thermal bridges and maintaining high thermal insulation performance, especially in large-area applications where the fragile barrier envelope is prone to damage and air circulation issues occur at junctions.
Innovation Solution
A thermal insulation system using interlocking composite panels with a three-layer structure, including a compression-resistant insulating element, a fixing plate, and a cover plate, which allows for easy assembly and integration of functional elements like electrical or fluid connections without screws or tools, maintaining the vacuum and minimizing thermal bridges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If rigid plates with straps and interlocking reliefs are used to protect PIV panels, then thermal bridges are limited and installation is simplified, but the overall thickness of the composite panel increases considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the protective function and interlocking function into a single integrated rigid plate structure. The rigid plate serves both to protect the fragile PIV panel from compressive and bending forces, and to provide interlocking reliefs with adjacent panels, eliminating the need for separate protective layers and reducing overall thickness while maintaining structural integrity and thermal performance.
2Length of stationary object
If the barrier envelope of PIV panels is made very thin to reduce thickness, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but the envelope becomes fragile and prone to degradation from compressive or bending forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by positioning rigid plates between the PIV panels and the wall structure before installation. These rigid plates act as protective cushions that prevent compressive and bending forces from being transmitted to the fragile barrier envelope during and after installation, thereby maintaining the envelope's gas barrier properties and vacuum integrity without requiring it to be thicker.
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 solution enables efficient and flexible installation of VIP panels with reduced risk of degradation, maintaining high thermal insulation performance by eliminating the need for intermediate layers and fixing elements, thus ensuring a continuous and airtight insulation layer with integrated functionalities like electrical outlets or heating devices.
Implementation Method 1
an insulating element (3) having the shape of a plate with four sides... the insulating element comprising a porous material resistant to compression, preferably rigid, and an outer gas-tight barrier envelope, closed under vacuum, which encloses the porous material
Implementation Method 2
thermal insulation system intended to cover a wall (P) of a building... defining an insulating layer (6) formed by insulating elements (3) of the PIV (Vacuum Insulating Panel) type
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4B
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The wall lining system (10) allows for the integration of a layer of vacuum insulating elements (3) with fragile outer shells. The elements (3) are directly sandwiched between a fixing plate (4) and a cover plate (5) that can form a finish on the external side of the system. By offsetting the edges (31, 32, 33, 34) of the element (3) relative to the edges of the plates (4, 5), composite panels (1) with an integrated interlocking function are formed. The plates (5, 20) on the external side of the system constitute a single-layer assembly covering the insulating layer and defining a common external face. A specific cover plate (20) includes a recess or cutout for an electrical, telephone, optical, or fluidic connection, enabling the operation of a functional component (18) integrated at least partially into or near this specific plate.