Multilayer Insulating Pad for Window Frame Thermal Bridge Elimination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thermal insulation methods for window and door frames are inefficient due to thermal bridges at sills and intrados, leading to heat transmission, mold growth, and condensation issues, and require complex and time-consuming installation processes that can compromise accuracy and safety.

Innovation Solution

A multilayer insulating item comprising a polyurethane panel, fiber sheets, and epoxy resin layers, with optional marble dust for increased strength and self-extinguishing properties, applied as a threshold/sill cover and wall cover to eliminate thermal bridges without modifying the frame, using a protective Gelcoat layer to resist weathering and maintain air gaps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a notch or channel is obtained on the sill or threshold using machinery with blades, then the thermal bridge is eliminated, but the process becomes complex and dangerous

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal bridge eliminationVSAvoidmachinery complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the problematic thermal bridge portion by applying an insulating pad that protrudes from the sill or threshold surface, creating a thermal cutting without requiring complex machinery to cut notches or channels. The insulating pad is simply applied and secured with a panel, eliminating the need for blade-based cutting equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If an insulating pad and panel are applied over the sill or threshold, then the thermal bridge is eliminated, but the thickness occludes the anti-condensation gaps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal bridge eliminationVSAvoidcondensation risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies local quality by positioning the insulating pad specifically at the sill or threshold area where thermal bridges occur, while deliberately maintaining the thickness within limits (not less than 4 cm) that preserve the anti-condensation gaps. This localized insulation approach eliminates thermal bridges without occluding the ventilation gaps needed to prevent condensation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If insulating material, net, and plaster are applied manually on the intrados walls, then thermal insulation is achieved, but the process becomes extremely time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulationVSAvoidinstallation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges multiple insulation layers (polyurethane panel, fiber sheets, resin layers) into a single pre-assembled multilayer item that can be applied to the intrados as one unit. This eliminates the need for sequential manual application of insulating material, net, and plaster, dramatically reducing installation time while maintaining thermal insulation effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If manual operations are performed on the intrados by an operator, then insulation is applied, but accuracy and quality repeatability are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsulation qualityVSAvoidinstallation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies preliminary action by pre-assembling the multilayer insulating item with precise layer positioning and bonding before application to the intrados. The polyurethane panel, fiber sheets, and resin layers are already correctly positioned and bonded in the factory, ensuring consistent quality and accuracy when installed on-site, eliminating operator variability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 multilayer item provides effective thermal insulation with low thermal conductivity, high mechanical strength, and resistance to weather agents, ensuring efficient and quick installation without occluding air gaps, thus preventing condensation and enhancing safety by preventing flame spread.

Implementation Method 1

a polyurethane panel (1) comprising a first side (1a) and a second side (1b)... suitable for being used as threshold/sill cover (100) and/or as wall cover (100') of a wall of an intrados, to insulate said openings and avoid thermal bridging phenomena

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

an intermediate resin layer (30) interposed between the first side (1a) of the polyurethane panel (1) and the second side (2a) of the fiber sheet (2) to connect the polyurethane panel (1) and the fiber sheet (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP4079512A1Multilayer item for thermal insulation of an opening of a window frame of a building
Publication Date: 2022.10.26 COPRIMURO SRL
  • EP4079512A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4079512A1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP4079512A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A multilayer item (M) for thermal insulation of a wall; the multilayer item (M) comprises a base package (B1) comprising a polyurethane panel (1) comprising a first side (1a) and a second side (1b), a fiber sheet (2) comprising a first side (2a) and a second side (2b) facing the polyurethane panel (1), an intermediate resin layer (30) interposed between the first side (1a) of the polyurethane panel (1) and the second side (2a) of the fiber sheet (2) to connect the polyurethane panel (1) and the fiber sheet (2), a first resin layer (31) applied on the first side (2a) of the fiber sheet (2), a second resin layer (32) applied on the second side (1b) of the polyurethane panel (1); the peculiarity of the item is that at least one of said resin layers (30, 31, 32) comprises marble dust.