Tempering Wall Element Layout to Prevent Carrier Layer Curvature

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wall elements for tempering rooms experience unwanted curvature due to surface tension from laminated cover layers, leading to potential breakage and increased filler requirements during installation.

Innovation Solution

Applying a cover layer in the form of strips that cover less than half of the carrier layer, with reinforcement strips to manage surface tensions and prevent critical deflection, resulting in a more stable and flat wall element.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the cover layer is applied over the entire surface of the carrier layer, then the stability function is improved, but the wall element experiences unwanted curvature due to surface tensions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of carrier layerVSAvoidcurvature of wall element
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The cover layer is divided into multiple separate cover layer strips that are arranged parallel to each other with spacing between them. This segmentation prevents the formation of continuous surface tensions across the entire carrier layer, thereby avoiding critical curvature while still providing stability where the strips are applied.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cover layer strips are applied selectively at specific locations on the carrier layer rather than covering the entire surface. The strips are positioned to provide necessary stability at critical areas while leaving other areas uncovered to prevent surface tension accumulation that would cause curvature.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Area of stationary object

If the cover layer is applied over the entire surface, then coverage is improved, but material and adhesive consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidadhesive consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The cover layer is segmented into multiple strips with spacing between them, which reduces the total surface area that requires coverage. This directly reduces the amount of cover layer material and adhesive needed while still providing sufficient stability at the covered locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of applying the cover layer to the entire surface (excessive action), the invention applies it partially to only the necessary areas. This partial coverage is sufficient to provide stability while avoiding the waste of materials that would result from complete surface coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the cover layer strip covers less than half of the carrier layer, then surface tensions are reduced, but coverage is decreased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface tensionsVSAvoidcoverage area
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The cover layer is divided into multiple separate strips spaced apart from each other. This segmentation allows the cover layer to provide stability at multiple discrete locations without creating continuous surface tensions that would cause curvature, effectively reducing harmful surface tensions while maintaining adequate overall coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 significantly reduces curvature, enhances handling and storage of wall elements, and minimizes adhesive usage, while maintaining high coverage without critical curvature, especially in high aspect ratio designs.

Implementation Method 1

When this laminated layer dries, it contracts and shortens in the case of the materials used in practice for the lamination. This creates stresses that lead to an undesired curvature of the plate.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurface tension: Surface Tension

Implementation Method 2

When this laminated layer dries, it contracts and shortens in the case of the materials used in practice for the lamination.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal contraction: Thermal Contraction

Data Source

PatentEP2092134B1Wall element for a tempering wall for the temperature control of rooms
Publication Date: 2015.04.29 REHAU AG & CO
  • EP2092134B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2092134B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2092134B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A wall element (1) for a tempering wall for the temperature control of rooms has at least one conduit element (4) for the intake of a tempering fluid. The conduit element (4) is arranged in a groove (6) of a support layer (5) of the wall element (1). A covering layer (7) serves to cover the groove (6). Said covering layer includes at least one covering layer strip (8, 9) which extends from one longitudinal side (2) of the support layer (5) to the opposite longitudinal side (2) of the support layer (5) and which covers less than half of the support layer (5). The result is a wall element of which the support layer is at least largely prevented from bulging out after application of the covering layer.