Vessel Partition Wall Insulation Bridging Stiffener Gaps

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for mounting insulating elements in vessels require complex adaptations to stiffener geometry, increasing production complexity and space requirements, while also necessitating a large number of pins and washers for fixation.

Innovation Solution

A partition wall design featuring a wall sheet with elongated stiffeners spaced at a distance, where an insulation layer is fixed to the protruding ends of the stiffeners, bridging the gap between them to form a cavity, thereby reducing the number of insulation elements and fastening components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If formfitting insulation elements are used to envelope stiffeners, then heat resistance and fire resistance properties are improved, but production complexity and transportation space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat resistance and fire resistanceVSAvoidproduction complexity and number of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the insulation function from complex formfitting elements and relocates it to a simplified insulation layer that bridges only the gap between stiffeners. The stiffeners themselves retain their structural enveloping function, separating structural support from thermal insulation functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The insulation system is segmented into two functional components: stiffeners that provide structural support and partial insulation, and a separate insulation layer that bridges gaps between stiffeners. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If multiple insulation elements are used to cover stiffeners, then insulation performance is improved, but the number of fastening elements (pins and washers) increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsulation performanceVSAvoidnumber of fastening elements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges multiple separate insulation elements into a single continuous insulation layer that spans across the gap between stiffeners. This consolidation reduces the number of fastening points required from multiple pins and washers per stiffener to a simplified fastening system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The insulation layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides thermal insulation, bridges gaps between stiffeners, and acts as a continuous protective barrier. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components and reduces fastening requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If insulation elements are mounted to touch the wall sheet surface, then heat resistance is improved, but installation complexity and effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat resistanceVSAvoidinstallation effort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The insulation layer acts as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between stiffeners and provides thermal protection without requiring direct contact with the wall sheet. This intermediary approach maintains heat resistance while simplifying installation by eliminating the need for precise positioning against the wall sheet surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 design simplifies installation, reduces material and weight, and maintains or improves heat resistance, fire resistance, and acoustic insulation performance, while minimizing the number of parts and fastening elements.

Implementation Method 1

the insulation layer (9; 14) is at least partially, preferably fully bridging the distance d between adjacent stiffeners and thereby forming a cavity between the insulation layer and the wall sheet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

the insulation layer covering the stiffeners and the first surface of the wall sheet thereby forming a heat insulation and/or an acoustic insulation of the wall sheet and the stiffeners towards the potential heat source and/or the potential sound source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 3

the insulation layer covering the stiffeners and the first surface of the wall sheet thereby forming a heat insulation and/or an acoustic insulation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic insulation: Acoustic Absorption

Data Source

PatentEP4545394A1Partition wall for use in a vessel
Publication Date: 2025.04.30 SAINT GOBAIN ISOVER
  • EP4545394A1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP4545394A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4545394A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention pertains to a partition wall for use in a vessel comprising: at least a wall sheet (2); a plurality of elongated stiffeners (3, 3a) formed of a stiffening profile; the stiffeners (3, 3a) being connected to a first surface (4) of the wall sheet (2) in a distance (d) to each other, forming a gap (10) in-between two adjacent stiffeners (3, 3a) and protruding towards a potential heat source and/or sound source (5); and at least an insulation layer (9, 14) located on the side of the first surface (4) of the wall sheet (2), the insulation layer (9, 14) covering the stiffeners (3, 3a) and the first surface (4) of the wall sheet (2) thereby forming a heat insulation and/or an acoustic insulation of the wall sheet (2) and the stiffeners (3, 3a) towards the potential heat/sound source (5) whereas the insulation layer (9, 14) is fixed to protruding ends (6) of the stiffeners (3, 3a) at protruding portions of the stiffeners (3, 3a), whereas the insulation layer (9; 14) is at least partially, preferably fully bridging the distance (d) between adjacent stiffeners (3, 3a) and thereby forming a cavity (13) between the insulation layer (9, 14) and the wall sheet (2).