Modular Lignocellulose Insulation for Uneven Substrates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing insulation systems using lignocellulose-based wood fiber boards face challenges with high bulk density leading to increased weight and complex processing, while foamed plastics emit chemicals and pose fire hazards, and existing solutions require extensive labor and struggle with uneven substrates.

Innovation Solution

A modular insulation system comprising a rigid module carrier panel with a bulk density of 180-280 kg/m³ and a flexible module compensation panel with 30-80 kg/m³, allowing for leveling uneven substrates and featuring an adjustable insulation anchor for secure attachment and airtight sealing, with optional hydrophobic or flame-retardant treatments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If lignocellulose-based wood fiber boards are used for insulation, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but bulk density increases leading to higher weight

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulation performanceVSAvoidweight of insulation board
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The insulation board is divided into multiple layers with different bulk densities. The first layer (contact layer) has higher bulk density (150-250 kg/m³) for stability and substrate contact, while the second layer (insulation layer) has lower bulk density (50-150 kg/m³) for reduced weight and improved insulation. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the insulation board have different bulk densities tailored to their specific requirements. The contact layer near the substrate has higher density for mechanical stability and firm contact, while the outer insulation layer has lower density for weight reduction and enhanced thermal insulation performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If lattice framework is attached to substructure for installing insulation panels, then insulation panels can be attached, but work complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of attaching insulation panelsVSAvoidcomplexity of lattice framework system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex lattice framework intermediate structure is removed from the system. Instead, the insulation board is directly attached to the substrate using simple fixing elements that penetrate through the board, simplifying the installation process while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of attaching insulation panels to a lattice framework and then securing the framework to the substrate, the approach is inverted: the insulation board is directly fixed to the substrate, eliminating the need for the intermediate lattice structure and simplifying the overall attachment system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Stability of the object's composition

If insulation layer with high bulk density is used, then structural stability is improved, but weight of insulation board increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stability of insulation boardVSAvoidweight of insulation board
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The insulation board is segmented into layers with different bulk densities. The first layer has higher density (150-250 kg/m³) to provide structural stability and firm contact with the substrate, while the second layer has lower density (50-150 kg/m³) to reduce overall weight and enhance insulation properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

High bulk density is localized to the contact layer where structural stability is most needed for substrate attachment, while lower bulk density is used in the outer insulation layer where weight reduction and thermal insulation are prioritized, creating optimal local properties for each region.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Weight of moving object

If foamed plastics are used for insulation, then weight is reduced, but chemical emissions and fire hazards increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight of insulation boardVSAvoidchemical emissions and fire hazards
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The material composition is changed from synthetic foamed plastics to natural lignocellulose-based wood fiber materials. This parameter change eliminates chemical emissions and fire hazards associated with plastics while achieving comparable weight and insulation properties through optimized layered structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The insulation board uses composite lignocellulose-based materials with different bulk densities in layered structure, combining the benefits of natural materials (low emissions, good fire resistance) with optimized physical properties (weight, insulation performance) through composite construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP2216454B1Insulation system
Publication Date: 2014.04.30 UNGER DIFFUTHERM
  • EP2216454B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2216454B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The insulating system has two modular insulating boards combined with each other, and an insulation plug (3) with socket. The insulating system has a rigid insulating board as carrier plate module (1) and another flexible insulation board as corrective plate module (2). The former insulating board has a density between 180 to 280 kilograms per cubic meters. The latter insulating board has a density between 30 to 80 kilograms per cubic meters. The raw material bases for the insulating system are lignocellulose and non-plant raw materials, e.g. mineral fibers, rock wool or glass wool. An independent claim is included for a two-layered, modular, combined insulating board on bases of lignocellulose or non-plant raw materials.