Multi-layer wall element with offset tongue and groove

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drywall construction methods lack ease of handling, stability, and efficient insulation, requiring complex connections and additional elements, making them difficult to implement, especially in DIY settings.

Innovation Solution

A multi-layer wall element comprising an insulating ply with offset support and cover layers, allowing for easy assembly via a groove and tongue principle without additional connecting elements, providing enhanced stability and insulation while being manageable and cost-effective.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If traditional drywall construction methods are used, then structural stability can be achieved, but the construction process becomes complex and requires additional connecting elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstruction process complexityVSAvoiddrywall stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the support layer and cover layer into a single integrated multi-layer wall element with built-in groove and tongue structures. This merging eliminates the need for separate connecting elements and simplifies the construction process while maintaining structural stability through the integrated design of the layers and their interlocking features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The wall element is segmented into distinct functional layers (support layer, cover layer, insulating ply) with specific geometric features (grooves, tongues, offsets) that enable easy assembly. The segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function while the overall structure achieves stability through the coordinated interaction of these segmented parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If conventional wall assembly methods are used, then adequate insulation can be provided, but handling and processing become difficult especially in DIY settings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling easeVSAvoidinsulation performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The groove and tongue structures, as well as the offset configurations, are pre-formed during manufacturing of the multi-layer wall element. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex field assembly operations, making the product easy to handle and install for DIY users while ensuring consistent insulation performance through precise factory-controlled geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If additional connecting elements are used, then structural strength can be enhanced, but construction time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstruction speedVSAvoidjoint strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The multi-layer wall element features self-interlocking groove and tongue structures that automatically form strong joints when panels are assembled. The offset configurations of the layers create mechanical interlocking that provides structural strength without requiring additional connecting elements, thereby increasing construction speed and reducing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4182512B1Multi-layer wall element for building up drywalls as well as drywall comprising the wall element
Publication Date: 2024.05.08 SAINT GOBAIN PLACO SAS
  • EP4182512B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4182512B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a multi-layer wall element for building up drywalls (2) comprising an insulating ply (3) with two flat sides (5a; 5b) of heat or sound insulating material which have a large surface area relative to front sides (6), wherein a support layer (5) is placed with an inner flat side (5a; 5b) of the support layer (5) against each flat side (5a; 5b) of the insulating ply (3), wherein a cover layer (7) is placed against each outer flat side (5a; 5b) of the support layer (5), and wherein the support layer (5) is, along at least two directions (R1, R2) which are oriented parallel to a plane (E) of the support layer (5) and perpendicular to confining edges (8) of the support layer, offset relative to the cover layer (7) by a respective offset amount (V1/V1'; V2/V2,), wherein the support layer (5) forms a tongue (10) at least along a first confining edge (8) and along at least one opposite second confining edge (8) a groove (11) together with the insulating ply (3) and the cover layer (7).