Multi-layer Linear Panel Manufacturing with Differential Heating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional metallic linear panels lack favorable acoustic characteristics, necessitating improved methods for manufacturing non-metallic or partially metallic panels with enhanced properties for sound absorption and structural integrity.

Innovation Solution

A method for manufacturing linear panels using a multi-layer panel material assembly with differing inner and outer material layers, where the inner layer provides structural properties and the outer layer offers non-structural qualities like sound absorption and flame retardancy, utilizing an in-line process that involves heating and shaping the assembly to maintain desired properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional metallic materials are used to manufacture linear panels, then the panels achieve light weight and flame-retardant properties, but they lack favorable acoustic characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveacoustic characteristicsVSAvoidflame-retardant properties
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining a metallic outer layer (aluminum) with a non-metallic inner layer (fibrous materials). This composite structure allows the panel to simultaneously achieve flame-retardant properties from the metal layer and favorable acoustic characteristics from the fibrous layer, resolving the contradiction between these two properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If non-metallic materials are used to improve acoustic characteristics, then sound-absorbing properties are enhanced, but structural integrity and flame-retardant properties are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound-absorbing propertiesVSAvoidstructural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite material structure where the metallic outer layer provides structural integrity and flame-retardant properties, while the non-metallic fibrous inner layer provides sound-absorbing properties. This composite approach allows both requirements to be met simultaneously without compromising either structural strength or acoustic performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the panel into two distinct functional layers: an outer metallic layer for structural support and flame resistance, and an inner non-metallic layer for acoustic absorption. This segmentation allows each layer to specialize in its intended function, resolving the contradiction between structural integrity and sound absorption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Object-affected harmful factors

If multi-layer panel material assemblies with differing forming temperatures are used, then enhanced acoustic and structural properties are achieved, but manufacturing process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveacoustic and structural propertiesVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the forming temperature within a specific range (above the melting temperature of the intermediate layer but below the forming temperature of the outer layer). This temperature parameter control allows the intermediate layer to be formed while preventing deformation of the outer layer, enabling complex multi-layer structures to be manufactured with controlled process parameters rather than increased process complexity.

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

The method enables the production of panels with improved sound-absorbing and structural properties, reducing material costs while maintaining aesthetic and functional qualities, suitable for use in ceilings and walls.

Implementation Method 1

The method includes heating the panel material assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal heating: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3623140B1Methods for manufacturing linear panels from multi-layer panel material assemblies and such a linear panel.
Publication Date: 2025.03.26 HUNTER DOUGLAS IND BV
  • EP3623140B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3623140B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3623140B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

A method of forming a linear panel (50) includes drawing a multi-layer panel material assembly having differing inner (82) and outer (84) material layers along a processing path. The method also includes heating the panel material assembly to a processing temperature as the panel material assembly is drawn along the processing path, the processing temperature being greater than a forming temperature of the inner material layer (82) and less than a forming temperature of the outer material layer (84). In addition, the method includes forming the heated panel material assembly into a desired shape as the assembly is drawn along the processing path. In another aspect, a linear panel includes a body (51) formed from a multi-layer panel material assembly having differing inner and outer material layers (82,84).