Floor Plate Element with EPS Channels for Truss Integration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing intermediate floor constructions are either expensive due to extensive shoring requirements, non-practical due to multiple strut frames, not thermo-insulating, and susceptible to corrosion from thin steel wires, while lacking cross rigidity and effective insulation.

Innovation Solution

Specially shaped expanded polystyrene floor elements with built-in channels for reinforcement, using space trusses and distance elements to minimize shoring needs and enhance cross rigidity, combined with concrete filling for insulation and protection of reinforcement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional prefabricated intermediate floor constructions with ceramic or concrete filling are used, then structural strength is achieved, but the construction becomes heavy and requires extensive shoring during mounting and concreting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidconstruction weight
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite construction combining expanded polystyrene (EPS) blocks with concrete filling and steel reinforcement. The EPS provides lightweight insulation while concrete and steel provide structural strength, creating a composite system that achieves required strength without the full weight of traditional concrete or ceramic floor constructions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies reinforcement locally only where needed - steel reinforcement is placed in the concrete filling at critical locations (channels, joints, and load-bearing areas) rather than throughout the entire floor construction. This localized reinforcement approach maintains structural strength while minimizing weight and material usage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Temperature

If expanded polystyrene formwork is used throughout the floor construction, then lightweight and thermo-insulating properties are achieved, but extensive shoring is required every 60-80 cm making the construction expensive and non-practical

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermo-insulationVSAvoidshoring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the EPS formwork into discrete blocks with standardized dimensions (e.g., 60x60x20 cm). These modular blocks can be assembled in various configurations and require shoring only at specific locations (ends and middle) rather than continuously every 60-80 cm, reducing the complexity and cost of the shoring system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The EPS blocks serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as formwork during concreting, provide thermal insulation in the finished construction, and serve as permanent filling material. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate insulation layers and reduces overall construction complexity

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

3Strength

If pre-stressed intermediate floor constructions with thin steel wires are used, then structural strength is achieved, but the construction becomes expensive and susceptible to corrosion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidcorrosion resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses conventional steel reinforcement bars (rebar) instead of expensive pre-stressed thin steel wires. The reinforcement is embedded in concrete filling that protects it from corrosion, providing a more reliable and cost-effective solution that does not require the complex pre-stressing technology and thin, corrosion-susceptible wires

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The concrete filling acts as an intermediary protective layer between the steel reinforcement and the corrosive environment. This concrete cover protects the reinforcement from moisture and oxygen, preventing corrosion while maintaining structural strength, eliminating the need for complex corrosion protection systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of manufacture

If traditional floor constructions without cross rigidity are used, then simplicity of construction is maintained, but the construction lacks rigidity in both directions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstruction simplicityVSAvoidcross rigidity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates continuous reinforcement channels that run through the EPS blocks in both longitudinal and transverse directions. These continuous concrete-filled channels with steel reinforcement provide rigidity in both directions while maintaining construction simplicity through standardized block assembly and continuous formwork

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP2102426B1Floor plate element
Publication Date: 2011.09.28 KEKANOVIC MILAN
  • EP2102426B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2102426B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2102426B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The possibility of special lightening, insulating and reinforcing intermediate floor constructions enables fast building of semi-prefibraceted and prefabricated floor with complete insulation, bearing capacity and smaller price. Floor elements (1) and (15) are constructed to that already present steel space trusses can be placed in their channels, so that are hastened the building of intermediate floor constructions and makes them cheaper, too. They are minimum shorting at the ends and at the middle of beams, so the works below can be proceeding and the required working time is shorter. The intermediate floor construction is already insulating, so they are no need for insulating, which makes the construction cheaper and the required working time shorter. The plates (17) are enabling the increase of the height of the floor constructions, by tying two beams in the construction. Usage of distance elements (23) (35) and (48) protects the reinforcement in floor construction, so they are no need for corrosion protection.