Building Outer Wall with Support Member Reinforcement

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Solution Overview

Problem

The thermal insulation layer in existing outer walls has lower strength compared to wood or metal frames, leading to a need for improved strength while maintaining thermal insulating properties.

Innovation Solution

The outer wall configuration includes multiple vertical frames with an outer board, an outer thermal insulating material, and an outer wall panel supported by a support member fixed to the vertical frame. This configuration enhances the structural integrity and thermal insulation by using inner and outer thermal insulating materials and strategically placing support members and brackets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a thermal insulation layer is used in the outer wall, then thermal insulating properties are improved, but strength deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal insulating propertiesVSAvoidstrength of outer wall

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The outer wall employs a composite structure combining wood or metal frames with thermal insulation layers. The frame provides structural strength while the insulation layer provides thermal insulation, creating a composite system that achieves both strength and thermal insulation properties simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The outer wall is divided into multiple components: vertical frames, horizontal frames, and thermal insulation layers. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function - frames provide strength and support, while insulation layers provide thermal insulation, resolving the contradiction between strength and insulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If support members are added to reinforce the vertical frame, then strength is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrength of vertical frameVSAvoidcomplexity of outer wall structure

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Support members are pre-installed on the vertical frames during the construction phase. This preliminary action ensures structural reinforcement is built-in from the start, avoiding the need for complex retrofitting or additional strengthening measures later, thus managing complexity effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The support members serve multiple functions: they reinforce the vertical frame structure, provide attachment points for outer wall panels, and maintain the structural integrity throughout the building's lifecycle. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, managing complexity while achieving strength improvement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250052069A1Outer wall and building

Publication Date: 2025.02.13 SEKISUI HOUSE KK

AI summary

An outer wall of a building includes a plurality of spaced apart vertical frames, an outer board provided on the outer surfaces of the plurality of vertical frames, an outer insulating material provided on the outer surface of the outer board, and outer wall panels provided on the vertical frames with at least one support member therebetween. The support member is fixed to the vertical frames via the outer board. The outer wall panels are fixed to the support member via support metal fixtures.