Ladder-Type Insulating Strut for Composite Window Profiles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing insulating bars for composite profiles in window, door, and facade elements lack sufficient shear rigidity and effective thermal separation, which can lead to inadequate performance in fire scenarios and thermal conductivity.

Innovation Solution

A ladder-shaped insulating bar made of plastic with specifically designed recesses and a metal-free structure, where the plastic bars are connected to metal profile parts using a clip-on cover profile to enhance shear stiffness and thermal insulation, while also providing moisture protection and decorative options.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a solid insulating bar structure is used, then thermal insulation is improved, but shear rigidity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulationVSAvoidshear rigidity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating bar is segmented into a ladder structure with multiple rungs separated by gaps, rather than being a solid continuous structure. This segmentation reduces thermal conduction paths while maintaining structural integrity through the distributed rung arrangement, resolving the contradiction between thermal insulation and shear rigidity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insulating bar combines plastic material with a specific ladder geometry, creating a composite structure that leverages both the material properties and structural design. The plastic provides baseline insulation while the ladder configuration optimizes the balance between thermal performance and mechanical strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If metal inserts are used to prevent total failure in fire, then reliability is improved, but thermal conduction increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire resistanceVSAvoidthermal conduction
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes the metal insert from the insulating bar structure, eliminating the source of excessive thermal conduction. The reliability function previously provided by the metal insert is replaced through the optimized plastic ladder structure design, which maintains fire resistance without the thermal conduction penalty of metal components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Loss of energy

If recesses are added to reduce heat conduction, then thermal insulation is improved, but structural strength is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat conductionVSAvoidstructural strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The recesses are organized into a systematic ladder pattern with evenly spaced rungs, transforming what could be random structural weaknesses into a distributed reinforcement pattern. This segmentation approach ensures that no single recess compromises overall strength while collectively providing superior thermal insulation through multiple interrupted conduction paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 achieves improved shear rigidity and thermal separation with minimal impact on thermal conductivity, effectively addressing the limitations of previous designs by ensuring high transverse tensile strength and reduced longitudinal displacement, while maintaining effective thermal insulation and protection against moisture and convection.

Implementation Method 1

The insulating bars are made of plastic and serve to prevent heat conduction. The recesses in the insulating bar reduce heat conduction further.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

The metal insert serves to prevent a total failure of the insulating bar in the event of a fire.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStrength:

Data Source

PatentEP2044284B2Ladder-type insulating strut for a composite profile for window, door and facade elements and composite profile for window, door and facade elements
Publication Date: 2018.02.28 TECHNOFORM BAUTEC HLDG
  • EP2044284B2 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~1(c)
  • EP2044284B2 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(c)
  • EP2044284B2 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The insulating web (10) has a ladder-like insulating body (20) which extends in the longitudinal direction and has two longitudinal edges (21, 22)for fitting with the profiles parts (31, 32) of the profile. One part of the rungs (23) of the body runs transversely to the longitudinal direction between the continuous longitudinal edges. Independent claim describes compound profile with at least two profiled parts and an insulating web connected together secured against shear forces.