Chaining System Thermal Break Polymer Sleeves

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing chaining systems for connecting molded concrete elements in structures fail to effectively limit thermal conduction between these elements, leading to thermal bridges and potential corrosion issues due to exposure to humidity.

Innovation Solution

A chaining system comprising metal reinforcing rods protected by polymer sleeves extending through a layer of thermal insulating material, where the sleeves are overmolded to provide corrosion protection and minimize thermal conductivity, allowing the use of sensitive materials while reducing polymer volume and enhancing mechanical connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If metal reinforcing rods are used to connect concrete elements, then mechanical connection strength is improved, but thermal conduction between elements increases and corrosion resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical connection strengthVSAvoidthermal conduction and corrosion
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A polymer sleeve is introduced as an intermediary component between the metal reinforcing rod and the concrete elements. This sleeve acts as a thermal break to reduce thermal conduction while providing corrosion protection to the metal rod, thus resolving the contradiction between mechanical strength and thermal/corrosion resistance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The chaining system uses a composite structure combining metal reinforcing rods with polymer protective sleeves. This composite approach allows the metal to provide mechanical strength while the polymer layer provides thermal insulation and corrosion resistance, simultaneously addressing multiple requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If polymer sleeves are added to protect reinforcing rods, then corrosion resistance is improved, but device complexity and polymer volume increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrosion resistanceVSAvoidstructure complexity and polymer volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The polymer sleeve is designed to cover only the specific portion of the reinforcing rod that is exposed to corrosion risks (the segment passing through the insulating material layer), rather than coating the entire rod. This localized protection reduces polymer volume while maintaining effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The polymer sleeve performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides corrosion protection to the metal rod, acts as a thermal break to reduce heat conduction, and serves as a protective layer during installation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components

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

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 system effectively limits thermal bridges, provides enhanced corrosion resistance, and ensures a strong mechanical connection between concrete elements, improving the structural integrity and thermal insulation of buildings.

Implementation Method 1

a chaining system comprising a plurality of reinforcing rods (11a, 11b) each intended to connect these first and second concrete-molded structural elements together... a layer of thermal insulating material (12) extending between said first and second building elements (10, 20)... Each given reinforcement rod (11a, 11b) passes through said layer of insulating material (12)... Each second given rod portion (P2) is arranged so that the second molded element (20) can be overmolded against this second given portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP4056777B1Chaining system with thermal break
Publication Date: 2024.05.01 LES PROFESSIONNELS DE LA CHAUDRONNERIE IND
  • EP4056777B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4056777B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c
  • EP4056777B1 patent drawingFigure 3d~3f

AI summary

A tie system (1) intended to allow a connection between first and second molded structural elements (10, 20), the tie system (1) comprising a plurality of reinforcing rods (11a, 11b), each intended to connect these first and second molded structural elements (10, 20) together. The tie system (1) comprises: - a layer of thermal insulating material (12) intended to extend between said first and second structural elements (10, 20); and - each of said reinforcing rods (11a, 11b) passes through said layer (12) and presents a first portion of rod (P1) opposite a first side (C1) of the layer (12) to come into mechanical contact with said first structural element (10) and a second portion of rod (P2) opposite a second side (C2) of the layer (12) to come into mechanical contact with said second structural element (20).