Modular Insulation Device for Floor Beam Thermal Bridging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal insulation solutions for buildings are inadequate as they fail to effectively insulate load-bearing elements such as exterior walls, interior walls, and beams, leading to thermal bridges and requiring multiple, costly models to accommodate varying dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A modular, ready-to-install insulation device with a breakable end zone and horizontal grooves that can be adapted to different heights and widths, allowing for universal insulation of load-bearing elements by interlocking with adjacent devices to ensure continuous thermal coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If insulation plates are cut on site to fit load-bearing elements, then thermal insulation of load-bearing elements is achieved, but the insulation process becomes time-consuming and difficult to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation device is pre-assembled with the insulating wall and end spacers integrated into a single modular unit before delivery to the construction site. This preliminary assembly eliminates the need for time-consuming on-site cutting and fitting of insulation plates, while ensuring proper thermal coverage of load-bearing elements from the start
Solution Approach 2:
The insulation device is divided into modular components including end spacers with insulating walls, allowing easy assembly and adaptation to different beam dimensions without requiring custom cutting on site
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple models of end interjoists are manufactured to accommodate different beam dimensions, then adaptability to various beam sizes is achieved, but production, inventory and transport management becomes complicated and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation device is designed as a universal modular system where the insulating wall can be adapted to different beam heights and widths through simple assembly configurations rather than requiring different models. The end spacers can be positioned and configured to match various beam dimensions while using the same basic component set
Solution Approach 2:
The insulation device incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements that allow it to dynamically adapt to different beam dimensions during installation, rather than requiring static pre-fabrication for each specific size
3Reliability
If L-shaped cover skirts are fixed to end spacers to cover beam sides and undersides, then complete insulation of load-bearing beams is achieved, but the solution cannot be extended to walls and shear walls
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation device is designed as a multi-functional system that can effectively insulate different types of load-bearing elements including beams, walls, and shear walls. The combination of end spacers and insulating walls creates a universal solution that adapts to various structural configurations without requiring fundamentally different designs
4Ease of manufacture
If insulation devices are designed with fixed dimensions, then manufacturing and inventory management is simplified, but they cannot adapt to the varying dimensions of existing load-bearing beams
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation device is segmented into modular components with standardized dimensions that can be assembled in different configurations. This segmentation allows manufacturing of standardized parts while achieving adaptability through modular assembly to match varying beam dimensions
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
The solution provides comprehensive thermal insulation for all types of load-bearing elements, meeting regulatory standards and simplifying installation and production by being adaptable and modular, reducing the need for multiple models and improving accessibility to hard-to-reach areas like crawl spaces.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention relates to an insulation device for a floor with beams, comprising at least one part made essentially of at least one thermally insulating material
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2~5B
Figure 6A~6C
AI summary
The device (10) has a part made of a thermally insulating material i.e. polystyrene, and defining an end interjoist (11) in an upper part to take support on adjacent joists (2), at an end of a beam (T) opposite to a bearing element of a construction. An insulating wall (14) extends vertically under end interjoists on a predetermined height to partially cover the bearing element. The insulating wall comprising a structured sectile end zone (16) that is connected to a lateral covering zone (15) and forms a covering base below the bearing element when the bearing element is a joist.