Post-Tensioned Insulated Panel with Layered Cable Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current building practices using cementitious materials often result in walls that are not solidly or well-insulated, particularly when under constant tension, necessitating improved methods for producing insulated panels.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for constructing post-tensioned, precast insulated panels involving a layered structure with ECC material, insulating foam, a network grid of cables, and additional layers, where the cables are tensioned to specifications after curing, facilitating enhanced insulation and structural integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional cementitious materials are used with precast steel cables for building panels, then structural strength can be achieved, but thermal insulation and sound insulation performance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidthermal insulation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite panel structure consisting of two cementitious material layers (first and fifth layers) sandwiching three insulating material layers (second, fourth, and intermediate insulating layers). This composite construction combines the structural strength of cementitious materials with the thermal and sound insulation properties of insulating materials, resolving the contradiction between structural integrity and insulation performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If cementitious panels are constructed with precast steel cables under tension, then structural stability is improved, but the panels fail to maintain solid and well-insulated walls

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidinsulation performance under tension
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the panel into distinct functional layers: structural cementitious layers provide stability and strength, while separate insulating material layers (second and fourth layers) provide thermal and sound insulation. The cable layer is positioned between insulating layers, allowing the structure to maintain insulation performance even under tension by segregating structural and insulating functions into different segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Loss of energy

If a layered structure with multiple materials is used for insulated panels, then insulation performance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulationVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs precast steel cables that are tensioned to specified forces before the final curing of the cementitious layers. This preliminary action allows the structural framework to be established and insulated in place before the surrounding materials are fully set, simplifying the sequencing of operations and reducing on-site manufacturing complexity despite the multi-layered structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Strength

If precast steel cables are used for tensioning panels, then structural integrity is maintained, but the panels cannot achieve varied shapes and sizes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidvaried shapes and sizes
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes post-tensioning cables that can be tensioned to varying degrees and configurations after the panel structure is formed. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the same basic panel design to achieve different structural intensities and accommodate varied shapes and sizes, providing adaptability while maintaining structural integrity through adjustable tensioning forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution provides improved thermal, electrical, and sound insulation while maintaining structural flexibility and sustainability, enabling the construction of panels with varied shapes and sizes, addressing the limitations of traditional building methods.

Implementation Method 1

a second layer of an insulating material may be disposed on the first layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

a second layer of an insulating material may be disposed on the first layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Dielectric

Implementation Method 3

a second layer of an insulating material may be disposed on the first layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSound insulation: Acoustic Absorption

Implementation Method 4

the at least one cable may be tensioned to at least one specification based on the producing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Data Source

PatentUS11560716B2Methods and apparatuses for facilitating producing of an insulated panel
Publication Date: 2023.01.24 DOPP PHILIP RAY
  • US11560716B2 patent drawing
  • US11560716B2 patent drawing
  • US11560716B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed herein is an insulated panel for facilitating post-tensioning of the insulated panel, in accordance with some embodiments. Accordingly, the insulated panel may include a frame, a first layer, a second layer, a second layer, a third layer, a fourth layer, and a fifth layer. Further, the frame may include a frame-end arranged in an arrangement forming an interior space. Further, the first layer of a building material is disposed in the interior space. Further, the second layer of an insulating material is disposed on the first layer. Further, the third layer of a cable is disposed on the second layer. Further, the fourth layer of the insulating material is disposed on the third layer. Further, the fifth layer of the building material is disposed on the fourth layer. Further, at least one of the first layer and the fifth layer may be cured for producing the insulated panel.