Modular Airtight Wall Kit with Integrated Utility Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

The construction of timber frame buildings faces challenges with expensive and time-consuming use of lifting means, and the introduction of insulation layers often compromises airtightness, leading to heat loss and thermal bridges due to the installation of electrical and fluid networks.

Innovation Solution

A composite wood-framed construction kit with airtight components that allow for manual handling, integrating fluidic and electrical networks within the walls, ensuring an air gap without thermal bridges, and using connectors for precise assembly to maintain airtightness and insulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If insulation layers are added from outside or inside with air gaps, then thermal insulation is improved, but airtightness is compromised due to subsequent installation of electrical and fluid networks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulationVSAvoidairtightness
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates electrical and fluid networks directly into the wall structure during the initial construction phase, before the insulation layers are installed. This preliminary integration ensures that subsequent installation activities do not require breaking the airtight seal, thus maintaining both thermal insulation performance and airtightness simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functions of structural walls, insulation layers, and utility networks into an integrated wall system. The networks are embedded within the wall structure itself, combining multiple functions (structural support, insulation, and utility distribution) into a unified construction that eliminates the need for separate penetration operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Manufacturing precision

If sections of walls are prepared industrially in the workshop, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the weight and size make them requiring expensive lifting means for installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewall assembly precisionVSAvoidwall section weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the wall structure into modular panels that are assembled on-site from smaller, manually handleable components. Each panel is pre-assembled with integrated networks and insulation in the workshop with high precision, but the overall wall section is segmented into manageable units that can be positioned without expensive lifting equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from traditional heavy vertical wall sections to a modular panel system that can be assembled in a step-by-step manner, effectively changing the dimensional approach from monolithic to incremental construction, allowing manual handling while maintaining industrial precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Stability of the object's composition

If fastening means are used to place structural walls in communication with insulation walls, then structural stability is improved, but thermal bridges are created that promote heat loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewall stabilityVSAvoidheat loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces thermal break elements as intermediaries between structural wall components and insulation layers. These intermediary elements provide the necessary mechanical connection for structural stability while simultaneously preventing direct thermal pathways, thus eliminating heat loss through thermal bridges

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Facilitates efficient and cost-effective construction with reduced reliance on lifting equipment, maintains airtightness, and enhances thermal insulation by eliminating the need for post-construction network installations, allowing for easier handling and assembly of components.

Implementation Method 1

these two walls delimiting between them a motionless air layer encircling the building

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

a motionless air layer encircling the building... which not only goes around the construction, without thermal bridges with the other wall, but, in addition, does not risk being stopped

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP3168379B1Air tight exterior wall for the construction of thermally passive buildings
Publication Date: 2018.06.20 FEVRIER GILLES
  • EP3168379B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3168379B1 patent drawingFigure 2~6
  • EP3168379B1 patent drawingFigure 7~10

AI summary

The invention aims to provide portable, easy-to-assemble insulating components that allow for installation by an individual builder while achieving high-performance insulation. This kit includes a beam 1, 2, and 3 defining bays that receive airtight insulating panels 6. It also includes rectangular, insulating exterior structural panels 7 and corner posts, positioned and joined by vertical and horizontal tenons 34 inserted into mortises 42, with compression seals, and interior panels 9 with corner posts 13b, positioned and joined laterally by vertical tenons 34 inserted into mortises 42. The interior wall P2 is positioned and maintained at a constant distance from the exterior wall P1 by stop brackets, respectively at the top and bottom.The interior panels 9 include provisions for the integration of fluid and electrical networks equipped with means of connection between panels and posts.