Multi-layer insulation product simultaneous thermoforming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for manufacturing multilayer products with sound and thermal insulation capabilities require multiple steps and lengthy processes, leading to increased costs and inefficiencies due to the need for high-temperature forming and adhesion challenges between layers of different chemical and physical natures.

Innovation Solution

A method involving simultaneous thermoforming and molding of a dense polymer layer with a flexible layer in a single step using a thermal crosslinking agent, allowing for immediate removal of the multilayer product without decohesion or delamination, and utilizing conventional tooling without extreme thermal constraints.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple manufacturing steps are used to assemble multilayer products with felt and heavy mass, then adhesion between layers can be achieved, but production time and manufacturing complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion between layersVSAvoidproduction time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple manufacturing steps (felt forming at high temperature, heavy mass molding, and adhesion) into a single simultaneous operation. The heavy mass is molded directly onto the felt in one step, eliminating sequential assembly operations and reducing production time while maintaining layer adhesion through direct contact during the molding process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The felt is pre-formed and positioned in the mold before the heavy mass is molded onto it. This preliminary preparation of the felt layer allows the subsequent heavy mass molding to proceed directly onto the prepared surface, ensuring proper adhesion without requiring separate assembly steps afterward.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If high temperatures are used for felt forming and adhesion, then proper bonding between layers is achieved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding between layersVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the heating functions into a single simultaneous process where both the felt forming and heavy mass molding occur at elevated temperatures in one operation. This eliminates the need for separate heating cycles for each step, reducing total energy consumption while achieving proper bonding between layers through the sustained thermal environment during the combined process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If conventional sequential manufacturing methods are used, then product quality can be maintained, but manufacturing cost and process complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct qualityVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent consolidates multiple manufacturing operations (felt forming, heavy mass molding, and layer assembly) into a single integrated process step. This reduces process complexity by eliminating intermediate handling and assembly operations while maintaining product quality through direct molding of the heavy mass onto the pre-positioned felt in a controlled mold environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 reduces production time and energy consumption, enhances mechanical adhesion between layers, and improves the profitability of multilayer product manufacturing while maintaining effective insulation properties.

Implementation Method 1

the removal of a multilayer product is possible without prior cooling by virtue of the crosslinking of the at least one dense layer initiated by the thermal crosslinking agent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal crosslinking: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

pressing-thermoforming the at least one flexible layer, molding the at least one dense layer on the at least one flexible layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal energy transfer: Heating

Implementation Method 3

The present invention relates to multilayer products and their use for sound and / or thermal insulation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 4

The present invention relates to multilayer products and their use for sound and / or thermal insulation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSound absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Data Source

PatentEP2026949B1Multi-layer products, their use and their method of manufacturing
Publication Date: 2013.02.20 TARKETT SAS (FR)

AI summary

A method for manufacturing a multi-layer product comprising at least one polymer-based dense layer and at least one fibre-based low density flexible layer, the method comprising placement steps of said at least one dense layer and of said at least one flexible layer in a tool for thermoforming, pressing-thermoforming of said at least one flexible layer, moulding of said at least one dense layer on said at least one flexible layer, and removal of the multi-layer product of the thermoforming tool without decohesion of the dense layer(s) and without delamination between the flexible and dense layer(s), the pressing-thermoforming of said at least one flexible layer and the moulding of said at least one dense layer being simultaneously produced in the thermoforming tool at implementation temperatures of 100 to 250°C and the removal of the multi-layer product being produced without prior cooling with the aid of the incorporation in the dense layer(s) of a thermal crosslinking agent.