Thermally Insulating Construction Element with Integrated Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermally insulating components for load-bearing structural connections are complex and costly to produce, handle, and transport due to bulky reinforcement elements, which complicate storage and require significant structural volume to absorb bending and shear loads effectively.
Innovation Solution
A thermally insulating component design featuring a tie anchor in the tension zone, a shear anchor with two tension and two shear sections, and a pressure anchor in the compression zone, all formed from a single bent reinforcing bar, allowing for efficient absorption of bending and shear stresses with reduced dimensions and simplified manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple separate reinforcement elements (tie anchor, shear anchor, pressure anchor) are used to absorb bending and shear loads, then the load capacity and structural reliability are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines tie anchor, shear anchor, and pressure anchor functions into a single integrated reinforcement element made from one continuous bent reinforcing bar. This merging reduces the number of separate components while maintaining all necessary load-absorbing functions, thereby reducing device complexity and manufacturing cost while preserving load capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single bent reinforcing bar serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a tie anchor in the tension zone, provides shear resistance through diagonally extending sections, and functions as a pressure anchor in the compression zone. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate reinforcement elements while maintaining comprehensive load-bearing capability.
2Reliability
If reinforcement elements are shaped and positioned to effectively absorb bending and shear loads, then the structural reliability is improved, but the ease of manufacture and handling deteriorates due to bulky protruding elements
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing bar is segmented into distinct functional zones (tension zone with tie anchor, shear zones with diagonally extending sections, compression zone with pressure anchor) that are integrated into a single continuous element. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall compactness and ease of handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement element extends in multiple spatial dimensions with diagonal sections penetrating through the insulating body at angles. This three-dimensional configuration allows the element to absorb shear and bending loads effectively while maintaining a compact overall form that is easier to handle and store compared to bulky protruding elements.
3Strength
If sufficient structural volume is provided for the pressure anchor to absorb lateral forces, then the load capacity is improved, but the volume and weight of the component increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure anchor is designed with sufficient structural volume and penetration depth specifically in the compression zone where lateral forces act, while other zones maintain appropriate but optimized dimensions. This localized optimization ensures adequate load capacity where needed without unnecessarily increasing the overall volume and weight of the entire reinforcement element.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The thermal insulating component (1) has a tension area (6) and a pressure area (7) and a moving element in the tension area as tension anchor (8). Another moving element is provided as compression anchor (9) with two tension sections (10,14), two compression sections (11,13) and a transition section (12). A third moving element is provided in the pressure area as compression anchor (15). The former compression section is guided diagonally through an insulation body (5) to the pressure area of the opposite latter tension section. The latter compression section is guided diagonally through the insulation body back to the former construction element in the tension area and passes over in the latter tension section.