Universal Support Piece for Crawl Space Floor Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for insulating floors over crawl spaces are costly due to the need for specific insulation skirts for each type of joist, leading to increased complexity and expense.
Innovation Solution
An assembly comprising insulation panels based on cellular plastic material, supported by shaped metal or plastic pieces that can be easily installed astride shear walls, eliminating the need for multiple thermal break references and simplifying the installation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If specific skirted infill blocks are used for each type of joist to provide thermal insulation, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support piece is designed as a universal component that can be used with different types of joists and partition walls. Instead of creating specific skirted infill blocks for each joist type, a single support piece design serves multiple functions and configurations, reducing the number of distinct references while maintaining thermal insulation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulation system is segmented into modular components: standard infill blocks between joists, and separate support pieces with insulation panels for partition walls. This segmentation allows the support piece to be a standalone universal component rather than requiring customized integrated solutions for each joist type.
2Loss of energy
If multiple distinct insulation components are used for different areas of the floor, then thermal insulation coverage is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support piece serves as a universal component that addresses thermal insulation needs across different areas of the floor (partition walls, intermediate load-bearing walls) without requiring multiple distinct products. This universality reduces manufacturing costs by standardizing the component design while maintaining comprehensive thermal coverage.
3Loss of energy
If traditional insulation installation methods are used, then thermal insulation is provided, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support pieces are pre-formed with the appropriate shape and structure before installation. The folding of metal strips into U-shapes with impalement tabs is done in advance during manufacturing, so that during construction, installers only need to place the support pieces and attach insulation panels, significantly reducing on-site installation time and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support piece incorporates foldable elements that can be manually folded over the panel after impalement, providing a simple dynamic adjustment mechanism that facilitates quick installation without requiring complex fastening systems or multiple components.
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
This approach reduces manufacturing costs while providing effective thermal insulation, allowing for quick and easy implementation of insulation systems, thereby lowering the overall cost of the floor.
Implementation Method 1
insulation panels based on cellular plastic material
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Insulation assembly for a floor with joists (2) over a crawl space comprising a plurality of insulation panels (6) for a partition wall (8), the panels (6) being based on insulating material, wherein the insulation assembly further comprises at least one support piece (4) of a shape adapted to be placed astride the partition wall (8), the support piece (4) being provided with support members (10) adapted to carry two of said panels (6) respectively affixed to either side of the partition wall (8).