Sandwich Panel Edge Reinforcement Groove
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Frameless sandwich panels with paper honeycomb cores face challenges in edge reinforcement, including low strength, susceptibility to impact, and issues with attaching fittings due to the open cavity structure, which leads to costly and complex solutions that increase material weight and manufacturing effort.
Innovation Solution
A flexible reinforcement element with a groove in the edge zone of the core layer, allowing for a positive or non-positive connection of a strip-shaped or rod-shaped reinforcement element made of wood, cardboard, or plastic, which can be thermally activated for improved bonding and deformability, preventing 'bowling' of narrow surface coating strips and enhancing force absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If frameless sandwich panels with paper honeycomb cores are used for lightweight construction, then weight is reduced and ecological aspects are improved, but edge strength is insufficient and fittings cannot be easily attached
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adding reinforcement elements specifically in the edge area of the sandwich panel, rather than reinforcing the entire panel. The reinforcement elements are inserted into grooves created in the core layer at the edges, providing localized strength enhancement where needed while maintaining the overall lightweight construction of the panel interior.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining the paper honeycomb core layer with reinforcement elements made of different materials (wood, wood-based materials, or rigid plastics). This creates a composite structure where the lightweight core provides mass reduction while the reinforcement elements provide edge strength, achieving both lightweight construction and structural integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adapters are used for constructive fitting attachment in the honeycomb core, then fittings can be attached, but the solution becomes very cost-intensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by creating grooves in the core layer during the panel manufacturing process, before fittings need to be attached. The reinforcement elements are pre-positioned in these grooves, providing ready-made attachment points. This eliminates the need for complex adapters and makes fitting attachment a simple process of securing fittings directly to the reinforcement elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the reinforcement function from complex adapter systems and implements it through simple reinforcement elements inserted into grooves. By separating the reinforcement function from the attachment function, the patent simplifies the overall system while maintaining adaptability for various fitting types.
3Shape
If thin plastic edge coating strips are applied to honeycomb panels, then optical finishing is achieved, but the coating strips bowl and are susceptible to impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adding reinforcement elements specifically in the edge area where coating strips are applied. These reinforcement elements provide local structural support that prevents the coating strips from bowing under their own weight or impact loads, while not affecting the overall lightweight construction of the panel.
4Strength
If grooves are created in the core layer and reinforcement elements are inserted, then edge strength increases and fitting attachment improves, but manufacturing effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by creating grooves in the core layer during the panel manufacturing process, before the panel is completed. This allows reinforcement elements to be pre-positioned and secured while the panel structure is still being assembled, integrating the reinforcement step into the existing manufacturing workflow rather than adding a separate post-processing step.
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 solution provides a cost-effective and easy-to-manufacture reinforcement that prevents 'bowling' of narrow surface coating strips, allows for better fitting attachment, and increases the strength of the edge zone without significantly increasing the panel's weight or material costs, while enabling continuous production processes.
Implementation Method 1
at least one section consists of a material, preferably an adhesive, which can be thermally activated or reactivated
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6a
AI summary
The sandwich plate has two outer surface layers (1) and a core layer (2), which is made of a lightweight material, particularly of paper or cardboard honeycomb core or polyurethane foam. A groove (3) is provided, which runs parallel to the surface layers. A reinforcing element is arranged in the groove, where wood, plywood, cardboard, paper or plastic is utilized. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a reinforcing element, which is provided with increased ductility; and (2) a method for manufacturing a sandwich plate.