Multi-Layer Fiber Insulation Blanket for Thermal Bridge Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing insulating mats made of mineral or plant fibers face challenges in achieving optimal thermal and acoustic insulation due to issues of fiber distribution homogeneity and the formation of thermal bridges, which affect the propagation of heat and sound.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves creating an insulating mattress with a superposition of at least 30 layers of fibers oriented in a laminar manner to minimize thermal bridges, with each fiber extending in a single plane parallel to the elongation plane, thereby stabilizing air trapped between layers for enhanced insulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If the thickness of insulating blankets is increased to improve insulation performance, then the quantity of immobilized air increases, but thermal bridges are formed by fiber connections between layers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulation performanceVSAvoidthermal bridges
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating blanket is divided into multiple thin layers (at least 30 layers) instead of using a single thick layer. Each layer is further segmented into fibrous zones with different fiber orientations. This segmentation breaks the continuous fiber paths that create thermal bridges while maintaining overall insulation thickness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different zones within each layer have different fiber orientation characteristics. The fibrous zones are designed with specific local properties where fibers are predominantly oriented in-plane rather than through-thickness. This local quality control prevents thermal bridge formation while maintaining insulation performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Loss of energy

If the number of layers is increased to improve insulation, then air is more effectively immobilized, but the manufacturing complexity and precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulation performanceVSAvoidfiber distribution homogeneity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Fiber mats are pre-formed with controlled fiber orientations and characteristics before being assembled into the final multi-layer structure. This preliminary action ensures that when layers are stacked, the desired fiber distribution and orientation patterns are already established, reducing the need for complex post-assembly adjustments and improving manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention controls specific parameters such as fiber orientation angles, layer thickness, and grammage distribution to achieve the desired fiber distribution homogeneity. By carefully managing these parameters during manufacturing, the patent ensures consistent insulation performance across multiple layers without requiring excessive manufacturing precision.

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 significantly improves the insulating properties by maximizing the quantity of immobilized air and reducing thermal bridges, achieving the desired weight and thickness for effective acoustic or thermal insulation while maintaining mechanical strength.

Implementation Method 1

The insulating properties of these insulating blankets are obtained, in particular, by the ability of said blankets to trap air in a stable and immobile manner within them

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal Insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

limiting the presence of fibers oriented in a secant manner to the plane of elongation of the blanket. Indeed, such an orientation contributes to generating thermal bridges in the thickness of the blanket which contribute to the propagation of heat by thermal conduction within the fiber blanket

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal Conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

an insulating mattress formed from a superposition of layers formed from a plurality of fibers bonded to each other by means of a binding element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP4435164A1Insulation blanket obtained by laying up fibre layers
Publication Date: 2024.09.25 SAINT GOBAIN ISOVER
  • EP4435164A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4435164A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4435164A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present invention relates to an insulating mattress formed of a superposition of layers (4) made up of a plurality of fibers bonded to each other by means of a binding element, the insulating mattress being formed of a superposition of at least 30 layers (4).