Interlocking Wall Reinforcement Panels for Thin Wall Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wall reinforcement methods, such as using timber frames, result in increased building thickness, high costs for alterations, and excessive stress on connections due to force transfer, which are inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
An interlockable wall panel system with projections and indentations that connect perpendicularly to other panels, providing stability against in-plane and out-of-plane movements without the need for extensive alterations or high-stress connections, allowing for seamless fitting and reduced thickness impact on the building's interior space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a timber frame construction is used for wall reinforcement, then the wall structure is stabilized, but the building's inner space is decreased due to increased wall thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The wall reinforcement is divided into multiple thin interlockable panels instead of a single thick timber frame. Each panel has a thickness of 5-20mm and connects to adjacent panels through interlocking projections and recesses, creating a distributed reinforcement system that provides stability while minimizing space occupation
Solution Approach 2:
The panels connect to each other in the third dimension (perpendicular to the wall surface) through protrusions and recesses, rather than relying on thick posts extending in the first or second directions. This dimensional approach allows force transfer through depth rather than through increased lateral thickness
2Stability of the object's composition
If a timber frame construction is used for wall reinforcement, then the wall structure is stabilized, but costs increase due to required alterations for window and door posts, sockets and gas pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement system is segmented into thin panels that can be installed in sections, allowing work to proceed around existing features like window and door openings without requiring complete demolition and reconstruction of thick frame structures
Solution Approach 2:
The panel thickness parameter is reduced from traditional timber frame dimensions (typically 50mm or more) to 5-20mm, which changes the overall wall thickness increase from several centimeters to just millimeters, thereby reducing the magnitude of required alterations to building services
3Stability of the object's composition
If force transfer occurs from wall board to timber frame post and to adjacent wall board, then the wall is stabilized, but expensive connection means are required to withstand the high forces
Solution Approach 1:
Force transfer occurs through the third dimension via interlocking protrusions and recesses that extend into each other, distributing loads through depth rather than concentrating forces at connection points between separate components. This dimensional force distribution reduces peak connection stresses
Solution Approach 2:
Adjacent panels are merged through their interlocking features where protrusions fit into recesses, creating a continuous load path through the panel assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate high-strength connection hardware by making the panels themselves the connection medium
4Volume of moving object
If the wall panel thickness is reduced, then the inner space is preserved, but the connection strength between panels may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Connection strength is achieved by extending interlocking features in the third dimension (depth) rather than relying on increased panel thickness in the first or second directions. The protrusions and recesses create mechanical interlocking that provides sufficient connection strength while keeping panels thin
Solution Approach 2:
The panel assembly acts as a composite structure where multiple thin panels connected through interlocking features work together to provide both the required connection strength and the thin overall profile. The combined assembly achieves strength properties that exceed the sum of individual thin panels
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an interlockable wall panel having a wall panel surface extending in a plane defined by a first and a second direction and having side edges, at least one thereof comprising: —indentations extending in the plane and inwardly from the side edge and configured to receive an associated projection of a further interlockable wall panel in a mating and interlocking connection configured to prevent in plane-movement; and/or—projections extending in the plane and outwardly from the side edge and configured to be inserted into an associated indentation of the second or further interlockable wall panel in a mating and interlocking connection configured to prevent in plane-movement; the projections and/or indentations are configured to be connectable to a further interlocking wall panel in a third direction. The invention further relates to wall panel assembly, reinforced wall, method for reinforcing a damaged wall and timber frame construction.