Drainage Device with Offset Cross Strut for Passive House Thermal Bridge Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drainage devices for structural structures, particularly in passive houses, create thermal bridges due to direct contact with non-load-bearing insulation materials, leading to heat loss and moisture issues, and are not suitable for floor-level access.
Innovation Solution
A drainage device with a lower part and cross strut design that creates a height offset between surfaces to prevent thermal bridges, allowing for non-load-bearing element protection and effective liquid drainage, using materials like metal or plastic for durability and ease of installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the drainage device is placed directly on the wall in front of the wall opening, then floor-level access to the building is enabled, but a thermal bridge is created that conducts heat out of the enclosed space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary drainage device structure that mediates between the need for floor-level access and thermal insulation requirements. The drainage device acts as a mediator element that provides access while preventing direct thermal contact between the interior space and the exterior wall opening, thereby resolving the contradiction between operational access and energy conservation.
2Ease of operation
If the drainage device is placed directly on the wall, then floor-level access is enabled, but the wall becomes cooler than the room air causing moisture condensation and mold growth
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage device serves as an intermediary structure that prevents direct thermal contact between the warm room air and the cooler wall opening. By introducing this intermediate element, the patent eliminates the temperature differential that causes condensation and mold growth, while still providing the necessary floor-level access functionality.
3Loss of energy
If non-load-bearing insulation materials are used for wall insulation, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but the materials cannot support the drainage device structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the drainage device structure into separate functional components: a support structure that provides mechanical strength and a drainage component that provides thermal insulation. This segmentation allows the use of non-load-bearing insulation materials for thermal performance while the support structure independently handles the mechanical loads, resolving the contradiction between insulation performance and structural strength.
4Reliability
If a waterproofing system is installed on non-load-bearing wall transitions, then water protection is improved, but the system cannot support drainage of accumulated water
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage device is segmented into a waterproofing component that ensures water protection and a structural support component that provides drainage capacity. This segmentation allows the waterproofing system to focus on sealing and protection functions while the support structure independently handles the weight and drainage of accumulated water, resolving the contradiction between waterproofing reliability and drainage support capacity.
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 prevents thermal bridges, ensures continuous liquid drainage, and provides floor-level access while maintaining structural integrity and insulation, making it suitable for passive houses and other structural structures.
Implementation Method 1
The arm is designed such that the arm dissipates forces acting on it vertically to the first wall
Implementation Method 2
The second surface extends completely up to the building structure and directs the liquid accumulating directly at the building structure to the first surface. The liquid is guided to the first surface by gravity via the height offset.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a drainage device (10) for a structural element, comprising a lower part (50), at least one cover element (20) and at least one cross member (30), wherein the cover element (20) is arranged on the cross member (30) and wherein the lower part (50) comprises a first wall (54) along its longitudinal side, wherein the lower part (50) comprises a first surface (51) and a second surface (52) offset in height from the first surface (51) and the cross member (30) comprises a main body (31) spanning the first surface (51) and an arm (32) spanning the second surface (52), wherein the first wall (54) is arranged between the first surface (51) and the second surface (52) and wherein the main body (31) is connected to the first wall (54) in a force-transmitting manner. Furthermore, the invention relates to a kit for the manufacture of a drainage system comprising at least one drainage device (10) and assembly instructions.