Disposable Formwork for Insulated Masonry with Thermal Flywheel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing disposable formworks for insulated masonry structures face issues with heat transfer, thermal uniformity, and the complexity of fixing accessories, as well as inadequate fire resistance, especially at openings and floors, leading to thermal discomfort and potential condensation and mold formation.

Innovation Solution

A disposable formwork system comprising a first thermally and acoustically insulating panel and a second panel with a density between 150 and 2500 kg/m³ and specific heat capacity between 0.5 and 2 kJ/kgK, made from materials like perforated brick, cellular glass, or rock wool, which facilitates uniform temperature distribution and easy accessory fixation, while providing fire resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If expanded polystyrene panels are used for disposable formwork, then thermal insulation is improved, but thermal uniformity deteriorates and fire resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulationVSAvoidthermal uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite material construction with an inner panel made of fire-resistant material (such as cement board, gypsum board, or mineral fiber board) and an outer panel made of expanded polystyrene for insulation. This composite structure combines the thermal insulation properties of EPS with the fire resistance and thermal mass of the inner panel, resolving the contradiction between achieving good thermal insulation and maintaining thermal uniformity/fire resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Loss of energy

If expanded polystyrene panels are used for disposable formwork, then thermal insulation is improved, but fire resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulationVSAvoidfire resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite material construction with an inner panel made of fire-resistant material (such as cement board, gypsum board, or mineral fiber board) and an outer panel made of expanded polystyrene for insulation. This composite structure combines the thermal insulation properties of EPS with the fire resistance of the inner panel, resolving the contradiction between achieving good thermal insulation and maintaining fire resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Stability of the object's composition

If protuberances and seats are added to panels for coupling, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidpanel structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the panel into functional segments: an inner structural panel, an outer insulation panel, and integrated coupling elements (protuberances and seats). This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall structural stability through the standardized coupling mechanism between panels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 ensures thermal comfort by reducing temperature nonuniformities, preventing condensation, and allowing for easy accessory installation, while offering enhanced fire resistance at openings and floors.

Implementation Method 1

the second panel (3), which is made of a material having a density comprised between 150 and 2500 kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m 3) and a specific heat capacity between 0.5 and 2 kJ/kgK, acts as a thermal flywheel for such environment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal flywheel effect: Thermal Energy Storage

Implementation Method 2

expanded polystyrene has very different characteristics from non-expanded polystyrene; in particular, expanded polystyrene has low thermal conductivity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP3725965B1Building made with a masonry including disposable formwork for insulated masonry
Publication Date: 2023.11.01 PONTAROLO ENG SPA
  • EP3725965B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3725965B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3725965B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a disposable formwork (1) for insulated masonry comprising a first panel (2), thermally and/or acoustically insulating, and a second panel (3), facing said first panel (2) and connected to the same by one or more crossbeams (4), wherein the second panel (3) is made of a material having a density comprised between 150 and 2500 kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m3) and a specific heat capacity comprised between 0.5 kJ/kgK and 2 kJ/kgK.