Internal Wall Insulation with Moisture-Regulating Adhesive Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing internal insulation systems for building exterior walls face issues with moisture condensation leading to reduced thermal insulation capacity and mold growth, particularly when a vapor barrier is damaged or not used, and capillary-active insulation materials require thicker layers to compensate for moisture absorption, resulting in space loss.

Innovation Solution

A method and system utilizing a capillary-inactive, water vapor-permeable thermal insulation board attached with an adhesive that forms a moisture-regulating intermediate layer, eliminating the need for a vapor barrier and maintaining thermal insulation performance by temporarily storing and releasing moisture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a vapor barrier is applied to prevent water vapor diffusion, then moisture condensation is prevented, but the system becomes more complex and vulnerable to damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemoisture protectionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the vapor barrier component entirely from the insulation system. Instead of applying a separate vapor barrier layer, the system uses a diffusion-open thermal insulation panel that inherently manages moisture through its capillary structure, eliminating the need for additional vapor barrier materials and their associated installation complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The thermal insulation panel performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides thermal insulation, manages moisture diffusion, and prevents condensation without requiring a separate vapor barrier. The capillary-active structure of the panel handles both insulation and moisture regulation in a single component

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If capillary-active thermal insulation material is used to allow quick drying, then mold growth is prevented, but thermal insulation capacity decreases due to moisture absorption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemold preventionVSAvoidthermal insulation capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a diffusion-open thermal insulation panel with a specific porous capillary structure that allows controlled moisture transport. The porous structure enables moisture to be quickly evacuated through capillary forces while maintaining sufficient thermal insulation performance, avoiding the trade-off between moisture management and insulation capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the capillary pore size distribution and structural parameters of the thermal insulation panel to achieve optimal moisture transport while maintaining thermal performance. By carefully controlling the pore structure parameters, the system prevents condensation and mold growth without requiring excessive thickness that would compromise space efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of energy

If thermal insulation layer thickness is increased to compensate for moisture absorption, then insulation performance is maintained, but available interior space is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulation performanceVSAvoidinterior space
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves superior moisture management through optimized capillary pore structure parameters, allowing the use of a thinner insulation layer that maintains both thermal performance and moisture control. The enhanced capillary activity enables effective moisture evacuation at reduced thickness, preserving interior space

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach prevents mold formation and maintains thermal insulation without the need for a vapor barrier, allowing for thinner insulation layers and improved indoor climate by regulating moisture through vapor diffusion during dew and evaporation periods.

Implementation Method 1

The adhesive used here is used at the same time to form a moisture-regulating intermediate layer which is able to absorb moisture, in particular condensation water that has formed, store it temporarily and release it again

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

When the dew period is over, i.e. there is a vapor pressure gradient that promotes vapor diffusion from the outside inwards, the moisture temporarily stored in the moisture-regulating intermediate layer is discharged back into the room as water vapor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVapor diffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 3

the water vapor diffusion that takes place through the outer wall of a building to compensate for a regular vapor pressure gradient between the inside and outside

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVapor diffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 4

at least one capillary-inactive, water vapor-permeable thermal insulation board is used to form a thermal insulation layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentEP2522785B1Method and system for insulating the interior of external building walls
Publication Date: 2016.01.06 STO SE & CO KGAA
  • EP2522785B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2522785B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2522785B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The method involves fastening a capillary-inactive, water vapor-permeable thermal insulation plate (3) by utilizing an adhesive (4) at an inner side (5) of an exterior wall (1) of a building for formation of a heat insulating layer (2). The adhesive is simultaneously utilized for formation of a moisture regulating intermediate layer that temporarily stores and provides moisture i.e. precipitated condensate, where the intermediate layer is evenly distributed on a to-be-glued surface (7) of the wall. An independent claim is also included for a system for internal insulation of an exterior wall of a building.