Brick Coupling System with Projections and Cavities for Thermal Breaks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional mortar-based binding systems in masonry construction create thermal bridges, reducing insulation efficiency and leading to energy conservation issues, along with potential structural problems like cracks and fungus growth.
Innovation Solution
A brick coupling system where each brick has a main face with perpendicular, rectangular projections and a secondary face with corresponding cavities, allowing for limited mortar use and improved alignment, with longitudinal protrusions to prevent lateral offsetting, enhancing thermal efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional mortar binding is applied on all brick contact surfaces, then structural binding strength is improved, but thermal insulation performance deteriorates due to thermal bridging
Solution Approach 1:
The brick contact surface is segmented into multiple zones: full mortar coverage on horizontal surfaces (bed joints) for structural strength, while vertical surfaces (perpends) have reduced or no mortar coverage. This segmentation allows differential mortar application that balances binding requirements with thermal insulation needs, eliminating continuous thermal bridges through the wall assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Different mortar application qualities are applied to different locations on the brick surfaces. Horizontal contact surfaces receive complete mortar coverage for maximum binding strength, while vertical surfaces receive minimal or selective mortar application. This local differentiation optimizes both structural performance and thermal insulation by placing mortar only where structurally necessary.
2Stability of the object's composition
If mortar is applied extensively for binding, then structural stability is improved, but thermal bridge formation increases reducing energy conservation
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying mortar excessively across all brick surfaces, the invention uses partial action by limiting mortar application to specific horizontal bed joints where structural stability is most critical. Vertical perpends either receive no mortar or minimal mortar, providing just enough binding stability while preventing continuous thermal bridge pathways through the wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The brick geometry itself acts as an intermediary element that interrupts thermal bridges. By designing bricks with specific protrusion and cavity configurations, the system creates natural breaks in thermal continuity while maintaining structural integrity through controlled mortar application at key interfaces.
3Loss of energy
If mortar coverage is reduced to improve insulation, then thermal performance is improved, but binding reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The brick geometry is pre-designed with integrated protrusions and cavities that guide mortar placement before assembly. This preliminary geometric configuration ensures mortar is automatically positioned at optimal locations for binding reliability, eliminating the need for extensive manual mortar application while maintaining structural reliability and reducing thermal bridges.
Solution Approach 2:
The brick geometry itself serves the dual function of structural binding and thermal interruption. The protrusions and cavities are self-configuring elements that naturally control mortar distribution and create thermal breaks without requiring additional components or complex construction procedures, thereby maintaining reliability while improving insulation.
4Quantity of substance
If comprehensive mortar application is used, then complete surface coverage is achieved, but construction time and material cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Mortar application is segmented into essential horizontal bed joints versus optional vertical perpends. This segmentation reduces the total quantity of mortar required while maintaining structural adequacy, thereby decreasing material cost and application time without compromising binding reliability in critical locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the mortar application parameter from complete surface coverage to selective joint coverage. By modifying the coverage parameter to apply mortar only to horizontal bed joints and minimizing or eliminating vertical perpend mortar, the system reduces material quantity and construction time while maintaining sufficient binding reliability for the wall assembly.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system for coupling bricks, of the type used in the construction of dwellings in general. According to the invention, the system comprises at least one brick having a main face and a secondary face opposite the main face, the main face including perpendicular projections and the secondary face including cavities that are axially aligned with the projections.