Multilayer Building Block with Integrated Metallic Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing building blocks do not fully address thermal insulation, moisture management, and efficient assembly in wall construction.

Innovation Solution

A multilayer building block composed of alternating layers of cellular concrete and thermal insulation, with a metallic load-bearing structure and installation guides, featuring internal gaps for screw joints and grooves for moisture prevention, allowing for easy assembly and high thermal insulation performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If traditional building blocks with parallel air gaps are used, then manufacturing is simple, but thermal insulation performance is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulation performanceVSAvoidblock structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The building block is divided into multiple functional layers (cellular concrete layers, thermal insulation layers, metallic structure layers) with distinct responsibilities. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function while achieving superior overall thermal insulation performance that simple parallel air gap structures cannot provide.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite construction combining cellular concrete, thermal insulation materials, and metallic load-bearing structures in alternating layers. This composite approach leverages the complementary properties of each material to achieve both high thermal insulation and structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between insulation performance and structural requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Temperature

If blocks with complex internal structures are used to improve insulation, then thermal performance improves, but assembly speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulation performanceVSAvoidassembly speed
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the block into standardized layers with consistent functions, the design achieves complex thermal performance through simple repetitive layering rather than complex internal cavities. This maintains assembly speed while improving insulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each layer serves multiple functions: cellular concrete layers provide both structural support and partial insulation, while thermal insulation layers provide both insulation and moisture management through integrated grooves. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, maintaining assembly efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional blocks without integrated moisture management are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but moisture prevention capability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemoisture management capabilityVSAvoidblock structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges moisture management functionality directly into the thermal insulation layers by integrating grooves and channels within the insulation material itself. This combination eliminates the need for separate moisture management systems while providing effective condensation and seepage prevention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The grooves and channels within the thermal insulation layers act as intermediary elements that facilitate moisture drainage and condensation management. These intermediate structures mediate between the insulating function and moisture control, allowing both functions to coexist effectively within the same layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Strength

If blocks requiring additional fastening components are used, then structural integrity improves, but assembly time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The metallic load-bearing structure is merged directly into the fourth layer of the block, integrating the fastening function within the block itself rather than requiring separate external fasteners. This integration maintains structural integrity while eliminating additional assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The block design incorporates self-contained metallic structures that provide both load-bearing capacity and fastening functionality internally. The block serves its own structural and fastening needs without requiring external components, reducing assembly time while maintaining strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 multilayer block design provides superior thermal insulation, efficient assembly, and cost-effective manufacturing, with lightweight and easy-to-assemble features, ensuring effective moisture management and reduced construction complexity.

Implementation Method 1

the second layer in form of flat rectangular prism is a layer of thermal insulation... the fourth layer shaped like a flat rectangular prism is a layer of thermal insulation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

the first layer in form of flat rectangular prism constitutes a layer of cellular concrete and the third layer in form of flat rectangular prism constitutes a layer of cellular concrete whereas the fifth layer shaped like a flat rectangular prism is a layer of cellular concrete

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompressive strength:

Implementation Method 3

The insulating layers of the building block have grooves which prevent formation and persisting of moisture

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity-driven drainage: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP4056781A1Multilayer building block
Publication Date: 2022.09.14 GWÓZDZ GRZEGORZ
  • EP4056781A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4056781A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4056781A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A multilayer building block in form of rectangular prism equipped with insulating and structural elements placed within its volume, wherein the first layer /1/ in form of flat rectangular prism makes a layer of cellular concrete, and the second layer /2/ in form of flat rectangular prism is a layer of thermal insulation. The third layer /3/ in form of flat rectangular prism is a layer of cellular concrete whereas the fourth layer /4/ in form of flat rectangular prism is a layer of thermal insulation with the metallic load-bearing structure /5/ placed inside its volume. The fifth layer /6/ in form of flat rectangular prism is a layer of cellular concrete and the sixth layer /7/ in form of flat rectangular prism is a layer of cellular concrete provided with the installation guides /8/ in form of framework. The third layer /3/, the fourth layer /4/ and the fifth layer /6/ are offset advantageously upwards and to one side in relation to the remaining block layers, and through all layers protrude at least two horizontally arranged structural elements /9/ fastening the block as a whole unit. The metallic load-bearing structure /5/ consists of at least two vertical elements /11/ held together by means of at least one lateral element /12/, whereby the vertical elements /11/ are provided with internal gaps /13/ to accommodate an advantageous screw joint of the blocks. The building block is provided with the chamfers /14/ enabling injection of the insulating compound, and the first layer /1/ and the last layer /7/ are equipped with the skew edges /15/ to place the external and internal sealing joints.