Framed Element with Foamed Glass Core for Marine Floor Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wet unit floor modules in marine applications are heavy, prone to water leakage and moisture damage, and have limited recyclability, with inadequate water resistance and fire safety, especially after surface layer breakage or corrosion.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, durable framed element with an insulating core layer made of foamed glass or lightweight aggregates combined with fire retardant resin, supported by a frame structure and sealed with an elastic compound or inorganic coating, providing enhanced water resistance, fire safety, and recyclability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If traditional galvanised steel framework and separate insulation layers are used, then structural strength and insulation are achieved, but the construction becomes heavy and prone to corrosion and water leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by integrating the insulation core layer made of foamed glass or lightweight aggregates with fire retardant resin directly into the framed element structure. This eliminates the need for separate galvanised steel frameworks and separate insulation layers, reducing overall weight while maintaining structural strength and improving resistance to corrosion and water leakage through the inherent properties of the composite material system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated framed element: the frame structure, insulation layer, and surface layers are combined into one monolithic component. The insulating core layer is arranged at least partly inside the frame structure, and the elastic sealing compound or inorganic coating integrates sealing and protective functions, eliminating gaps between separate components that could lead to water leakage and corrosion.
2Ease of manufacture
If separate insulation layers and multiple components are used, then insulation and structural requirements are met, but the construction complexity increases and recyclability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (frame structure, insulation layer, surface layers) into a single integrated framed element. The insulating core layer is arranged at least partly inside the frame structure during manufacturing, creating a monolithic component that is easier to handle and assemble on-site, while reducing construction complexity by eliminating the need to install separate insulation layers and frameworks.
3Reliability
If traditional materials and construction methods are used, then structural requirements are met, but fire safety and water resistance are inadequate after damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses foamed glass or lightweight aggregates combined with fire retardant resin as the insulating core layer material. Foamed glass is inherently fire-resistant and water-resistant, while the fire retardant resin enhances fire safety properties. This composite material system maintains fire safety and water resistance even after damage, preventing the propagation of fire or water leakage that could compromise structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of foamed glass as the insulating core layer creates an inert, non-combustible environment within the framed element. Foamed glass does not burn, support combustion, or degrade when exposed to fire or moisture, thereby maintaining fire safety and structural integrity even after damage occurs, preventing the weakening that would otherwise occur with organic insulation materials.
4Strength
If heavy galvanised steel frameworks are used, then structural strength is achieved, but the construction becomes difficult to handle and install
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy galvanised steel frameworks with a composite structure where the frame structure is integrated with the insulating core layer made of foamed glass or lightweight aggregates. This integrated composite design maintains structural strength while reducing overall weight, making the framed element easier to handle and install. The frame profiles and support profiles provide structural integrity without requiring heavy materials.
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 results in a lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and moisture-resistant construction element that maintains fire safety and insulation properties, reducing the risk of water leakage and corrosion, while being easy to handle and recyclable.
Implementation Method 1
an insulating core layer made of foamed glass or a combination of lightweight aggregates and fire retardant resin
Implementation Method 2
an elastic sealing compound or a combination of the support mesh and the inorganic or mainly inorganic coating compound, which is arranged at least partly between the insulating core layer and the upper surface layer of the element
Data Source
AI summary
A framed element includes an insulating core layer, an upper surface layer arranged on the insulating core layer, a frame structure including frame profiles which have been arranged to form at least part of the outer edges of the element and elongated support profiles in the length and/or width direction of the element. The insulating core layer is made of foamed glass or a combination of lightweight aggregates and a fire-retardant resin. The element further includes an elastic sealing compound arranged at least partly between the core layer and the upper surface layer of the element.