Planar Composite Wall Ties for Thermal Bridging Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional metal casting form ties used in composite wall structures conduct thermal energy, reducing the insulating properties of the walls, and existing solutions either damage the insulating layers or require custom perforations, which are costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The use of generally planar ties that are inserted between adjacent sheets of insulating layers without penetrating them, providing structural bridging while minimizing thermal bridging and avoiding damage to the insulating material, allowing for faster installation and the use of locally sourced generic insulating layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal casting form ties are used to structurally bridge concrete layers, then structural strength is improved, but thermal insulation deteriorates due to thermal conduction through the metal ties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the casting form tie from metal to polymer, fundamentally altering the thermal conduction properties. The polymer material has low thermal conductivity, which prevents thermal energy transfer between the concrete layers while still providing the necessary structural bridging function during construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The casting form tie is constructed as a composite structure with a polymer body and embedded metal reinforcement. The polymer matrix provides thermal insulation, while the embedded metal elements provide structural strength. This composite approach allows the tie to simultaneously achieve both structural integrity and thermal insulation properties.
2Strength
If conventional casting form ties are used, then structural bridging is achieved, but the insulating layers are damaged or require custom perforations
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of penetrating the insulating layer as conventional ties do, this invention places the tie between adjacent insulating layers. The tie extends through the concrete layers while the insulating layers remain intact, covering the tie. This inverted approach eliminates the need for perforations or damage to the insulating material.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating layer acts as an intermediary that covers and protects the casting form tie. Rather than the tie penetrating through the insulation, the insulation is placed over the tie, serving as a protective cover while the tie performs its structural bridging function between concrete layers.
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 solution enhances the insulating properties of composite wall structures by reducing thermal bridging and allowing for efficient construction without damaging the insulating layers, while also providing structural integrity and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The insulating barrier reduces the transfer of thermal energy across the composite wall structure
Implementation Method 2
Because metal readily conducts thermal energy, metal casting form ties that are used to structurally bridge a pair of structural layers have the effect of significantly reducing the insulating properties of a composite wall
Data Source
AI summary
Ties and related methods for making insulating composite wall structures including first and second structural layers comprising a hardenable material and an insulating layer having a high thermal resistance disposed between the structural layers. The insulating layer is formed from a plurality of insulating sheets, where the sheets are sandwiched between the structural layers of the wall. During wall construction, the tie is configured to be advanced into the first structural layer before it has hardened, with the tie fitting between adjacent sheets of insulation. No pre-drilling of holes through the sheets, or screwing or pressing of the ties through the actual sheets is required. Each tie includes generally planar features to accommodate such placement, with a penetrating segment, an impact segment, and a mesial segment therebetween. At least the penetrating and mesial segments are generally planar in shape, as they are advanced into such a gap between insulation sheets.