Modular Green Wall Element with Integrated Foam Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current modular green wall systems for buildings require metallic fasteners that penetrate thermal insulation layers, creating heat bridges and compromising thermal efficiency, while lacking integrated thermal insulation and fire resistance.
Innovation Solution
A modular green wall element with a casing having two compartments, where one compartment is filled with soil for plants and the other with a foamed organic or inorganic material for improved thermal insulation, eliminating the need for external fasteners and enhancing fire resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metallic fasteners are used to attach green wall elements to the building structure, then adhesion strength is ensured, but thermal bridges are formed connecting the underside of the insulation layer with the external side
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the thermal insulation function with the green wall element structure by integrating a foam material directly into the element. This merging eliminates the need for separate external insulation layers and metallic fasteners, as the foam provides both structural support and thermal insulation, preventing thermal bridge formation while maintaining attachment strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The green wall element uses a composite structure combining a rigid outer shell with integrated foam insulation material. This composite design provides both mechanical strength for attachment and thermal insulation properties, resolving the contradiction between needing strong fastening and preventing heat loss through metallic connectors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If green wall systems are installed on the exterior surface above the existing thermal insulation layer, then green wall functionality is achieved, but thermal insulation properties are compromised due to heat bridge formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the green wall functionality with integrated thermal insulation by incorporating foam material directly into the element structure. This allows the green wall to be installed without separate insulation layers, maintaining thermal efficiency while providing vegetation support, water retention, and aesthetic functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The green wall element is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides vegetation support, water management, thermal insulation, and structural attachment capabilities. The integrated foam material serves multiple purposes including insulation, structural support, and moisture barrier, eliminating the need for separate components that would create thermal bridges.
3Loss of energy
If a modular green wall element with integrated foam insulation is used, then thermal bridge formation is prevented and complete facade coverage is achieved, but the element structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the overall system by merging multiple functions (insulation, structural support, vegetation containment, water management) into a single integrated module. While the internal structure is complex, this integration eliminates the need for multiple separate components and assembly steps, reducing installation complexity and ensuring complete facade coverage without thermal bridges.
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
This design allows for complete facade coverage without thermal bridge formation, maintaining building insulation and providing excellent fire resistance, while being lightweight.
Implementation Method 1
the second compartment (6') is at least partially filled with a foamed organic or inorganic material (40) to improve the thermal insulation properties of the element
Data Source
AI summary
A modular green wall element includes a casing having a first and a second compartment, wherein the first compartment is arranged to host a growing material for plants and wherein the second compartment is at least partially filled with a foamed material to provide the element with improved thermal insulation properties.