Flexible Porous Composite Structure for Crack-Tolerant Masonry Insulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing building materials fail to effectively address cracks and deformations in masonry structures due to low deformability, requiring time-consuming and costly applications that often compromise energy efficiency and aesthetic preservation.

Innovation Solution

A multilayer flexible structure with a resin matrix embedding functional fillers, where the resin penetrates into a fibrous support, providing mechanical anchorage and stability, while leaving a non-impregnated layer to absorb deformations and offer thermal or acoustic insulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If locally applied reinforcement materials with high modulus of elasticity are used to seal cracks, then crack opening is sealed, but the material breaks once it reaches elastic limit allowing crack to travel outside

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrack sealing strengthVSAvoidcrack resistance reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the reinforcement material by using polymer impregnated into the fibrous support, creating a material with appropriate deformability and elasticity that can accommodate structural movements without breaking, thus maintaining crack sealing effectiveness while preventing crack propagation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite structure by impregnating polymer material into a fibrous support, combining the strength of the fibrous network with the flexibility and adhesive properties of the polymer, resulting in a reinforcement material that both seals cracks and resists propagation under structural stress

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Use of energy by stationary object

If rigid boards are applied to masonry for thermal and acoustic insulation, then energy efficiency is improved, but the structure cannot absorb deformations from masonry movements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal and acoustic insulation performanceVSAvoiddeformation absorption capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a flexible fibrous support structure instead of rigid boards, allowing the insulation layer to adapt to masonry movements and deformations while maintaining thermal and acoustic insulation performance, thus resolving the contradiction between rigidity for insulation and flexibility for movement accommodation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and mechanical properties of the insulation material from rigid to flexible by using a fibrous support structure, enabling the material to maintain insulation effectiveness while accommodating structural deformations and movements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Shape

If conventional plasters and paints are applied to masonry, then aesthetic appearance is achieved, but they cannot withstand masonry movements causing flaking and peeling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidadhesion under movement
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the mechanical properties of the plaster and paint materials by incorporating polymer components that provide elasticity and deformability, allowing the finishing layers to withstand masonry movements without flaking or peeling while maintaining aesthetic appearance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 structure effectively limits deformation transmission, enhances thermal and acoustic insulation, and allows for flexible application on complex geometries without additional supporting structures, improving energy efficiency and aesthetic preservation.

Implementation Method 1

a resin matrix (3) applied to said fibrous support (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

at least one layer (2A) of said fibrous support is free from said resin matrix (3), such to make a damping means or layer to reduce or prevent deformations transmitted between the two outer faces of the support

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

a plurality of functionalizing fillers (4) embedded in said resin matrix (3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 4

a plurality of functionalizing fillers (4) embedded in said resin matrix (3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Data Source

PatentEP2804996B1Multifunctional structure and method for its manufacture
Publication Date: 2016.07.20 MFR DEL SEVESO
  • EP2804996B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2804996B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6
  • EP2804996B1 patent drawingFigure 7

AI summary

The present invention relates to a multifunctional structure (1,1A,1P,1C) comprising a load-bearing flexible porous support (2) and a plurality of functionalizing fillers (4, 4A) which are embedded in a resin matrix (3,3A,3B) applied on said support (2) such that at least a part of the resin (3) penetrates into said fibrous support (2) however maintaining a portion of the thickness of the fibrous support (2) not impregnated with the resin (3); a further object of the invention is a method for manufacturing the structure (1,1A,1P,1C) of the invention.