Perforated Gypsum Boards With Spacer Elements For Joint Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for assembling gypsum-based perforated boards in suspended ceilings or walls are labor-intensive and costly due to the need for precise alignment, which can be time-consuming and requires two people, and they lack effective joint strength and damage resistance, especially when using seamless butting methods.

Innovation Solution

The use of prefabricated spacer elements made of materials like metal or plastic, attached to the perforated boards, which define the joint width and provide high joint strength by being designed to match the hole pattern, allowing for easier alignment and filling without exposing edges to damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional alignment tools and methods are used for assembling perforated boards, then optical requirements can be met, but assembly time and labor costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidassembly speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-attaching spacer elements to the perforated boards during manufacturing. These spacers are positioned at specific locations (e.g., corners or edges) to define the exact spacing and alignment between adjacent boards. During assembly, workers simply need to connect the spacers of adjacent boards, eliminating the need for complex alignment tools and procedures while maintaining precise optical requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If two people are used for alignment during assembly, then alignment quality improves, but labor costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment qualityVSAvoidlabor resources
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The spacer elements are designed to enable self-aligning assembly. The spacers on adjacent boards automatically position themselves relative to each other through simple connection (e.g., interlocking or bolting), allowing a single worker to achieve precise alignment without requiring a second person. The spacer geometry itself provides the alignment function that previously required human skill and coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If seamless butting method is used for laying perforated boards, then assembly becomes easier, but joint strength decreases and edges become vulnerable to damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidjoint strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The spacer elements serve as intermediary components between adjacent perforated boards. Instead of direct board-to-board contact (seamless butting), the spacers act as mediators that provide both the connection interface and structural reinforcement. The spacers distribute loads and protect the vulnerable board edges while maintaining the seamless appearance from the room side.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Manufacturing precision

If spacer elements are attached to perforated boards, then alignment precision and joint strength improve, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The alignment and connection function is segmented into separate spacer elements that are attached to the perforated boards. This segmentation allows the spacers to be manufactured independently using simple processes, then attached to the boards in a straightforward manner. The segmentation transforms a complex integrated solution into simple, modular components that reduce overall manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2591181B1Perforated gypsum-based boards and method for laying the same
Publication Date: 2017.05.17 SAINT GOBAIN PLACO SAS
  • EP2591181B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2591181B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Perforated gypsum-based boards, in particular perforated gypsum plasterboards or perforated gypsum fibreboards, are provided with spacer elements on at least two side surfaces, which allow straightforward processing to give a ceiling or a wall with the formation of a fixedly predetermined joint width between adjacent perforated boards.