Insulating Connection Element for Thermal Separation in Concrete
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing concrete structures in buildings face challenges in efficiently transmitting compressive and transverse forces while maintaining optimal thermal insulation, leading to issues like cold bridges and increased material consumption, which are not adequately addressed by current connecting elements.
Innovation Solution
A connecting element that includes an insulating body with opposing bearing surfaces, pressure elements penetrating through the insulating body, and continuous transverse force-transmitting elements, featuring pressure distribution elements on the ends of the pressure elements to ensure effective force transmission and thermal separation between concrete components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional concrete structures are used to connect floor slabs and walls, then structural integrity is achieved, but thermal bridges are created and material consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is divided into distinct functional components: an insulating body for thermal separation, pressure elements for compressive force transmission, and transverse force-transmitting elements for shear force resistance. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without compromising overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element combines materials with different properties: an insulating body (such as foam concrete or rigid foam) for thermal insulation, combined with pressure elements (such as steel bars or concrete cores) for compressive strength, and transverse force-transmitting elements (such as reinforcement bars) for shear resistance. This composite approach achieves both thermal separation and structural integrity.
2Loss of energy
If thermal insulation is added to concrete structures, then energy efficiency improves, but structural strength and force transmission capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element separates thermal insulation functions from structural functions by using distinct components: the insulating body provides thermal separation while pressure elements and transverse force-transmitting elements provide structural strength. This allows high thermal insulation performance without compromising force transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The element combines insulating materials (low thermal conductivity) with reinforcement materials (high strength) in a composite structure. The insulating body provides thermal resistance while embedded pressure elements and transverse force-transmitting elements provide the necessary mechanical strength for compressive and shear forces.
3Loss of energy
If more insulation material is used to reduce thermal conductivity, then energy efficiency improves, but device complexity and material consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element achieves effective thermal separation through a compact insulating body design that integrates all necessary insulation functionality in a single component, eliminating the need for additional insulation layers and reducing overall material consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element performs multiple functions simultaneously: thermal insulation through the insulating body, compressive force transmission through pressure elements, and transverse force resistance through transverse force-transmitting elements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and minimizes material consumption.
4Strength
If separate elements are used for compressive force transmission and transverse force transmission, then force transmission effectiveness improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element merges compressive force transmission and transverse force transmission functions into a single integrated component. Pressure elements and transverse force-transmitting elements are combined within the same insulating body, achieving effective force transmission in multiple directions without requiring separate connection elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously transmits compressive forces through pressure elements and transverse forces through transverse force-transmitting elements, while also providing thermal insulation. This universal design reduces the number of separate elements needed and simplifies the overall connection system.
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
This solution allows for the efficient transmission of compressive and transverse forces, reduces thermal conductivity, and minimizes material consumption, thereby enhancing the structural integrity and energy efficiency of concrete structures while meeting new energy standards with reduced financial and technical effort.
Implementation Method 1
an insulating body (31) separated from its first bearing surface (39) pressure element (33) penetrating to its second contact surface (41), for the thermal separation of the first cast component (13, 29) from the second cast component (15)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A pressure-transmitting connection element (17) is proposed for the pressure-transmitting connection of a first cast component (13, 29) with a second cast component (15), comprising at least: □ an insulating body (31) bounded by two opposing bearing surfaces (39, 41) for thermal separation of the first cast component (13, 29) from the second cast component (15), - wherein the first bearing surface (39) bounding the insulating body (31) faces the first cast component (13, 29), and - wherein the second bearing surface (41) bounding the insulating body (31) faces the second cast component (15), □ at least one pressure element (33) penetrating the insulating body (31) from its first bearing surface (39) to its second bearing surface (41), □ means for shear force transmission, wherein the proposed connection element (17) is characterized by,that ■ the means for shear force transmission comprise at least one connecting element (17) transmitting the compressive force - in the direction from the first bearing surface (39) of the insulation body (31) to the second bearing surface (41) of the insulation body (31) - a shear force transmitting element (35) that runs continuously, ■ at least one compression element (33) is force-fit connected to the at least one shear force transmitting element (35), ■ at least one pressure distribution element (51) is formed at at least one end face of the at least one compression element (33).