Bio-based Prefabricated Wall Panels for Low Carbon Construction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current low-carbon construction methods, such as double walls with integrated formwork, face limitations in reducing greenhouse gas emissions during the construction phase and operational life cycle, despite efforts to replace traditional concrete with more efficient materials.

Innovation Solution

A double wall construction using bio-sourced materials integrated into the panels' thickness, combined with a junction reinforcement, allows for effective formwork of hydraulic materials while reducing carbon footprint, and includes insulation materials to enhance energy efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If conventional concrete is used in pre-walls, then structural strength is ensured, but carbon footprint increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecarbon footprintVSAvoidstructural strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining bio-sourced materials (such as wood fibers, hemp, or other plant-based materials) with traditional concrete or using bio-sourced materials as partial replacements in the pre-wall structure. This composite approach maintains structural strength while reducing the carbon footprint associated with conventional concrete production, directly addressing the contradiction between strength and carbon emissions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the material composition parameters of the pre-wall by incorporating bio-sourced materials with different chemical and physical properties compared to conventional concrete. This includes using materials with lower embodied carbon, different density, and varying strength characteristics, thereby reducing the overall carbon footprint while maintaining adequate structural performance through optimized material ratios and configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-generated harmful factors

If bio-sourced materials are integrated into panel thickness, then carbon footprint is reduced, but structural rigidity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecarbon footprintVSAvoidstructural rigidity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates bio-sourced materials into the panel thickness as composite structures that combine the advantages of both conventional materials and bio-sourced materials. The composite design ensures that structural rigidity is maintained through strategic placement and combination of materials, while the bio-sourced components reduce the overall carbon footprint of the pre-wall assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by strategically positioning bio-sourced materials in specific regions of the panel where they can effectively reduce carbon footprint while maintaining structural rigidity in critical load-bearing areas. This localized integration allows different parts of the panel to have optimized material compositions based on their functional requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Use of energy by moving object

If insulation materials are added to enhance energy efficiency, then energy consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidconstruction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges insulation materials with the pre-wall structure itself, integrating thermal insulation functionality directly into the wall assembly rather than adding separate insulation layers. This merging approach reduces overall construction complexity by consolidating multiple functions (structural support, insulation, and formwork) into a single integrated system, while still achieving reduced energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pre-wall structure is designed with multi-functionality, serving simultaneously as structural support, formwork for concrete pouring, and thermal insulation barrier. This universal design reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall construction process while providing energy efficiency benefits through integrated insulation.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3904618B1Low carbon prefabricated wall
Publication Date: 2024.03.13 SPURGIN LEONHART
  • EP3904618B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3904618B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The object of the invention relates to a pre-wall comprising at least two panels (1, 2) arranged in respective planes and substantially parallel to each other, the panels (1, 2) being held apart by at least one joining reinforcement (3) which cooperates with at least one face of each of the panels (1, 2) to create an internal volume (4) of the pre-wall suitable and intended for a formwork operation, characterized in that at least one of the panels (1, 2) comprises at least one bio-based material (5), the bio-based material (5) integrated into the thickness of the panel (1, 2) contributing to the structural rigidity of the panel (1, 2).