Alternating Thermal Insulation and Structural Connection Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for treating thermal bridges between floors and walls are cumbersome due to the large volume and complexity of thermally insulating bodies, making them difficult to transport and install effectively.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the alternating placement of thermal insulation elements and structural connection elements along the wall, where each element performs a single function, simplifying handling and installation by concentrating reinforcements within structural connection elements, thus allowing for a quick and easy implementation of thermal insulation between the floor and wall.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If thermally insulating elements with reinforcement bars are used to treat thermal bridges between floor and wall, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but the volume and weight of the elements increase, making them difficult to transport and install

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulation performanceVSAvoidvolume of thermally insulating elements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the traditional single integrated thermally insulating element into two separate components: a pure thermal insulation element without reinforcement bars, and a separate structural connection element (concrete block with reinforcement bars). This segmentation allows the insulation element to be smaller and easier to handle, while the structural function is fulfilled by the separate connection element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reinforcement bars are extracted from the thermal insulation element and placed in a separate structural connection element. This extraction removes the harmful factor (large volume and weight) while preserving the useful function (thermal insulation), as the insulation element can now be made from lightweight materials without needing to incorporate heavy reinforcement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Strength

If thermally insulating elements with reinforcement bars are used to rigidly connect floor and wall, then structural connection strength is improved, but the complexity of installation increases due to handling large-volume elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural connection strengthVSAvoidease of installation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into two specialized components: a thermal insulation element for insulation purposes and a structural connection element for structural purposes. This allows each element to be optimized for its specific function, with the connection element being smaller and easier to handle than a traditional large insulating element with embedded reinforcement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The structural connection element is designed to be self-contained with reinforcement bars already positioned within it, eliminating the need for complex on-site reinforcement placement. The element arrives ready-to-install, reducing installation complexity while maintaining strong structural connection capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If reinforcement bars are distributed throughout thermally insulating elements, then structural integrity is improved, but the handling and manipulation of insulation elements becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidhandling and manipulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates the structural reinforcement function from the thermal insulation function by creating distinct elements. The thermal insulation element contains no reinforcement bars, making it lightweight and easy to handle, while the structural connection element contains all the reinforcement bars needed for structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Reinforcement bars are extracted from the thermal insulation element and concentrated in the structural connection element. This extraction eliminates the handling difficulties associated with reinforcement-containing insulation elements while preserving structural integrity through the dedicated connection element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 method effectively reduces thermal bridges by creating a rigid connection between the floor and wall while simplifying the handling and installation of insulation elements, enhancing both thermal insulation and structural support.

Implementation Method 1

Each element has reinforcement bars passing through it so that they protrude on both sides... the thermally insulating elements arranged between them minimize the corresponding thermal bridges

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP3070220B1Method for treating thermal bridges
Publication Date: 2023.10.04 KP1
  • EP3070220B1 patent drawingFigure 1~10
  • EP3070220B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3070220B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for treating thermal bridges between a wall (2) and a floor (1) comprising the steps of: - alternating thermal insulation elements (6) and structural connection elements (7) of the floor along the wall, the insulation element comprising a block of thermally insulating material and the connection element comprising a concrete block having reinforcement bars passing through the block so as to protrude on both sides of the block, - pouring concrete to form the continuation of the wall and to form the floor so that the reinforcement bars protruding on both sides of the connection element are embedded in the concrete. The invention also relates to a thermal insulation element and a structural connection element of the floor for implementing said method. The invention also relates to a precast slab (5) equipped with such elements.