Thermally Insulating Element with Inclined Force Paths for Seismic Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermally insulating components fail to effectively absorb seismic forces acting in the longitudinal direction of building joints during earthquakes, requiring a large number of components and limiting the available joint length for insulation.
Innovation Solution
A thermally insulating component with pairs of force-transmitting elements having inclined sections that are oppositely inclined relative to the longitudinal central axis, allowing efficient transmission of large seismic forces while minimizing the number of components needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional thermally insulating components are used to absorb seismic forces, then the number of components required increases, but the available joint length for insulation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the force-transmitting elements by introducing inclined sections with specific angles (30°-75°) relative to the longitudinal central axis. This parameter optimization allows the elements to more effectively transmit seismic forces in the longitudinal direction, thereby reducing the number of components needed while maintaining sufficient joint length for insulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermally insulating component combines insulating material with force-transmitting elements having inclined sections, creating a composite structure that simultaneously provides thermal insulation and seismic force absorption. This composite design improves the efficiency of each component, reducing the total number required.
2Length of stationary object
If the number of thermally insulating components is reduced, then more joint length is available for insulation, but the capacity to absorb large seismic forces decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By optimizing the inclination angle parameter of the force-transmitting elements to be between 30° and 75° relative to the longitudinal central axis, each element achieves maximum efficiency in transmitting longitudinal seismic forces. This allows fewer components to handle the same force magnitude, preserving joint length while maintaining force absorption capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The introduction of inclined sections adds a dimensional aspect to the force transmission mechanism. The inclination creates a component of force resolution that more effectively engages the insulating body in transmitting longitudinal forces, thereby increasing the force-carrying capacity per component.
3Reliability
If force-transmitting elements with inclined sections are added, then seismic force transmission improves, but the structural complexity of the insulating body increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force-transmitting elements are strategically positioned and dimensioned only where needed to transmit longitudinal forces - specifically with inclined sections at controlled angles in critical regions. The insulating body maintains its simple insulating function elsewhere, avoiding unnecessary complexity while achieving improved force transmission where required.
Data Source
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AI summary
A thermally insulating component (10) comprises an insulating body (11) having two longitudinal sides (12, 13), and force-transmitting elements (16, 17, 29) that protrude from the insulating body (11) at the longitudinal sides (12, 13). The insulating body (11) has a top side (14) and a bottom side (15) as well as a longitudinal central axis (22) that runs between the longitudinal sides (12, 13) and between the top side (14) and the bottom side (15). The thermally insulating component (10) has a transverse direction (27) that extends perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis (22) and through the longitudinal sides (12, 13), and a vertical direction (26) that runs perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis (22) and perpendicular to the transverse direction (27).The thermally insulating component (10) has at least two force-transmitting elements (16, 17) which form a pair (23, 24, 25) and which each have an inclined section (20, 21) in the insulating body (11), wherein the two inclined sections (20, 21) of the pair (23, 24, 25) are inclined in opposite directions to one another. When viewed in the vertical direction (26), each inclined section (20, 21) encloses an angle of inclination (α) with the longitudinal central axis (22) which is at least 30° and at most 75°. At least two such pairs (23, 24, 25) of force-transmitting elements (16, 17) are provided. A building (1) has a thermally insulating component (10).