Pointed Hinge Members for Insulation Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing movable partition systems face issues with insulation gaps at hinges, adhesive failure under high temperatures, and increased manufacturing complexity, leading to ineffective barriers for sound and fire insulation.

Innovation Solution

The use of pointed hinge members that extend into insulation sheets, providing secure attachment and reducing strain during panel movement, while maintaining compact storage and ease of installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If adhesive is used to attach insulation to partition panels, then the insulation can be attached to the panels, but the adhesive may not withstand high temperatures causing the insulation to become detached and rendering the partition system ineffective as a fire barrier

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsulation attachment reliabilityVSAvoidtemperature resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical adhesive bonding system with a mechanical attachment system using pointed members that penetrate the insulation material and engage with the panel structure. This mechanical system provides reliable attachment that maintains effectiveness under high temperature conditions where adhesive would fail.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the attachment mechanism from chemical bonding to mechanical penetration, fundamentally altering how the insulation is secured. The pointed members physically penetrate and anchor the insulation to the panel, creating a temperature-resistant attachment that doesn't rely on adhesive properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If fasteners and hinge plates are used to attach insulation to panels, then the insulation can be secured, but the manufacturing complexity of the partitions increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsulation attachment reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the insulation attachment function with the existing hinge member structure. The pointed members are integrated into the hinge assembly, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and hinge plates. This consolidation reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining secure insulation attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge member is given multiple functions: it provides the mechanical linkage between panels and simultaneously serves as the attachment mechanism for the insulation through its pointed members. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated insulation fastening components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If fasteners are used to attach insulation to panels, then the insulation can be secured, but repeated extension and retraction of the partition system may cause the insulation to move relative to the fasteners, and sharp or rough portions of the fasteners may wear, abrade, and/or cut at the insulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsulation attachment reliabilityVSAvoidpartition system durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The pointed members are designed with specific geometric characteristics - sharp points for initial penetration and broader engagement surfaces for stable attachment. This localized design provides both secure initial attachment and durable long-term retention, preventing insulation movement and damage during repeated partition operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The design of the pointed members anticipates potential damage to the insulation by providing a smooth, controlled penetration and engagement mechanism. The geometry of the pointed members is designed to minimize stress concentration and prevent cutting or abrading the insulation material during attachment and subsequent movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Reliability

If thicker insulation is used to ensure adequate barrier, then the insulation can provide sufficient heat and sound transfer barrier, but the door's length when in a retracted state increases, and therefore increasing the space required to store the door

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsulation barrier effectivenessVSAvoiddoor retracted length

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the insulation attachment from the panel surface and relocates it to the hinge member structure. This repositioning allows the insulation to be secured at the hinges where it is most needed for barrier effectiveness, while using thinner insulation material overall, thus reducing the retracted door length and storage space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS8863814B2Structures and methods for securing insulation to partitions

Publication Date: 2014.10.21 WON DOOR CORP

AI summary

Movable partitions comprise a plurality of interconnected panels, at least one sheet of insulation adjacent the plurality of interconnected panels, and at least one hinge member connecting adjacent panels of the plurality of interconnected panels. The at least one hinge member comprises at least one pointed member that extends therefrom. The pointed member is at least partially inserted into the at least one sheet of insulation, and the at least one sheet of insulation is supported by a surface of the at least one pointed member that has a width that is greater than a thickness of the at least one pointed member.