Cementitious Material Termite Barrier via Curable Composition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current termite proofing methods, such as metallic and chemical barriers, are costly, harmful to humans and the environment, and have limited effectiveness over time, while existing mortars are susceptible to termite intrusion.

Innovation Solution

Applying a curable composition to the cementitious material in the lower region of a building's exterior surface, extending from the foundation to a predetermined height above ground level, which penetrates and cures within the material to create a hardened, termite-resistant barrier.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If chemical barriers are applied to protect against termites, then termite protection is provided, but harmful effects to humans, animals and vegetation occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetermite protection effectivenessVSAvoidharm to humans, animals and vegetation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a curable composition that transforms the cementitious material itself into a termite-resistant barrier through chemical curing within the material pores, converting the normally vulnerable porous structure into a protective hardened barrier without requiring toxic chemical barriers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces chemical termite barriers with a physical/chemical transformation of the cementitious material through curing, where the composition hardens within the material to create a mechanical barrier that termites cannot penetrate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If metallic barriers are used for termite proofing, then termite protection is achieved, but material and installation costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetermite protection effectivenessVSAvoidmaterial and installation costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the existing cementitious material through application of a curable composition, transforming it from a termite-vulnerable material into a termite-resistant barrier, thereby eliminating the need for separate metallic barrier materials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite structure where the curable composition integrates with the cementitious material through penetration and curing, forming a unified termite-resistant composite that replaces expensive metallic barriers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If chemical barriers are applied at ground level, then termite protection is provided, but effectiveness deteriorates over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetermite protection effectivenessVSAvoidprotection duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the curable composition in advance to the cementitious material during construction or renovation, allowing it to cure and form a permanent termite-resistant barrier before termite infestation occurs, ensuring long-lasting protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If curable composition is applied to cementitious material, then termite resistance is achieved, but penetration depth must be sufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetermite protection effectivenessVSAvoidpenetration depth into cementitious material

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the porous structure of cementitious material to allow deep penetration of the curable composition, which then cures within the pores to create distributed termite-resistant barriers throughout the material thickness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

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

The solution effectively transforms the cementitious material into a durable, chemical-resistant barrier that prevents termite intrusion, offering long-term protection without the use of harmful chemicals and maintaining the appearance of the exterior surface.

Implementation Method 1

allowing said composition to cure within the cementitious material throughout said lower region, wherein said composition cures within the cementitious material, thereby protecting the cementitious material against intrusion by termites. The composition, when cured hardens the cementitious material.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCuring:

Implementation Method 2

A residual film of said composition may initially remain on the exterior surface following application, said residual film breaking down under the action of ultraviolet radiation within a period of six months.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotodissociation: Photodissociation

Data Source

PatentEP2443293B1A method of termite proofing a building structure

Publication Date: 2017.04.26 TERMORTAR

Figure 1~2
Figure 3

AI summary

A method of termite proofing a building structure (1, 101), the building structure (1, 101) has a foundation (3) located below an adjacent finished ground level (5) and an external wall (2, 102) formed on the foundation (3) and defining an exterior surface (4, 104) of the building structure (1, 101). The exterior surface (4, 104) is defined at least in part by a cementitious material. The method comprises applying a curable composition (9) to the cementitious material throughout a lower region (8, 108) of the exterior surface (4, 104) extending from the foundation (3) to a predetermined height above the finished ground level (5), such that the composition (9) penetrates into and is retained within the cementitious material. The composition is allowed to cure within the cementitious material throughout the lower region (8). The said composition (9) cures within the cementitious material, thereby protecting the cementitious material against intrusion by termites.