Floor Assembly Pods for Load-Bearing Thermal Insulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building floor assemblies lack a solution that effectively combines load-supporting capacity with thermal insulation while maintaining structural integrity and durability over extended periods.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of cavity-occupying pods made by solidifying a liquid carrier with dispersed pellets within the cavities of a building's floor assembly, which provides both load support and insulation, maintaining consistent volume and structural stability for years.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional insulation materials are used in floor assemblies, then thermal insulation is provided, but load-supporting capacity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material construction by combining concrete (providing structural strength and load-bearing capacity) with insulation boards (providing thermal insulation). This layered composite structure allows the floor assembly to simultaneously achieve high load-supporting capacity while maintaining effective thermal insulation, resolving the contradiction between structural strength and insulation performance.
2Temperature
If solid insulation materials are used to provide thermal insulation, then insulation performance is improved, but volume stability over time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes porous insulation boards with controlled cellular structures that provide effective thermal insulation while maintaining dimensional stability. The porous structure traps air pockets that resist heat transfer, and the rigid board construction prevents significant volume change over time, thus achieving both good insulation performance and volume stability.
3Quantity of substance
If cavity spaces are left empty in floor assemblies, then material usage is reduced, but thermal insulation and structural performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality optimization by placing insulation boards specifically in the cavity spaces between the concrete layers, rather than throughout the entire floor assembly. This targeted approach provides thermal insulation where it is most needed (in the cavities) while minimizing material usage, achieving effective insulation without unnecessary material consumption.
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 pods enhance the load-bearing capacity and thermal insulation of the floor assembly, ensuring a stable and durable walkable surface with consistent performance over time, while also offering sound attenuation and potential additional functionalities like flame retardancy.
Implementation Method 1
The pods each include solidified carrier with pellets dispersed therein and are created by fluidly introducing a pod-making material into the cavities
Data Source
AI summary
A structural assembly (20) providing both a surface (21) and an insulating stratum associated with the surface. The assembly (20) can comprise structural members (23-24) and pods (30) associated with the structural members (23-24). The pods (30) contribute to structural integrity, thermal insulation, and/or sound attenuation. The pods or pod-like material can be used in or on horizontal or vertical cavities, in or on horizontal or vertical surfaces, and/or incorporated into a structural assembly or equipment housing.