Precast Block with Optimized Geometry for Thermal Bridge Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing construction methods using modular insulating elements face issues such as high concrete consumption, complex construction processes, labor-intensive manual labor, and excessive material usage, leading to increased weight, cost, and thermal inefficiencies due to the large quantity of insulating material used.

Innovation Solution

The development of precast blocks with optimized geometry and internal channel networks allows for efficient assembly into modular elements, reducing material consumption and polymerization time, while ensuring uniform heat transfer and a superior supporting structure by casting a hardening material within the block network, thereby minimizing thermal bridges and manufacturing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a large quantity of insulating material is used to create modular elements, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but the weight of the modular element increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulation performanceVSAvoidweight of modular element
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The modular element is segmented into distinct functional zones: insulating material regions for thermal insulation, hardening material regions for structural strength, and channel networks for material distribution. This segmentation allows each material to be used only where necessary, reducing overall insulating material quantity while maintaining insulation performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the modular element have different material compositions and densities. The insulating material is concentrated in specific zones where thermal insulation is most needed, while structural zones use hardening material. This local differentiation optimizes both insulation performance and weight by avoiding unnecessary material usage in non-critical areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Loss of energy

If a large quantity of insulating material is used to create modular elements, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulation performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The modular element is segmented into distinct functional zones: insulating material regions for thermal insulation, hardening material regions for structural strength, and channel networks for material distribution. This segmentation allows each material to be used only where necessary, reducing overall insulating material quantity while maintaining insulation performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the geometric parameters of the modular element, including channel dimensions, wall thicknesses, and material distribution ratios. By carefully controlling these parameters, the design achieves the required insulation performance with minimized material quantities, directly reducing manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If traditional modular elements with perpendicular channels are used, then concrete can be cast, but concrete consumption increases and flow problems occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconcrete consumptionVSAvoidconcrete flow
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The channel network transitions from static perpendicular configurations to dynamic optimized pathways. The channels are designed with varying cross-sections and orientations that adapt to the concrete flow characteristics, allowing smooth material distribution throughout the modular element without bottlenecks or dead zones that would cause flow problems or excess consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the geometric parameters of the channels including diameter, length, orientation, and cross-sectional area ratios. These parameter optimizations ensure that concrete flows efficiently through the network with minimal resistance, reducing both concrete consumption and the risk of flow-related casting problems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Strength

If a network of steel or plastic bars is inserted inside the modules to increase strength, then structural strength is improved, but device complexity and manual labor increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidconstruction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the reinforcement function into the modular element structure itself by creating integrated hardening material channels. These channels form a unified structural network that provides both concrete distribution pathways and structural reinforcement, eliminating the need for separate steel or plastic bar networks and their associated assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The modular element's channel network serves multiple functions simultaneously: it distributes concrete during casting, provides structural reinforcement through the hardening material, and maintains the element's geometric integrity. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional reinforcement components and manual assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3310975B1Precast building block, modular element with optimized geometry, process for obtaining the modular element, construction, method for obtaining a building by assembling the modular elements
Publication Date: 2019.10.16 BREAZ LAUREN&TCEDIL IU DUMITRU
  • EP3310975B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3310975B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3310975B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The invention refers to precast blocks for constructions from which modular elements of insulating material, with optimized geometry are obtained, to a network of channels obtained by assembling the modular elements, to a supporting structure, to a process of obtaining a construction by assembling the modular elements. The precast block for construction, according to the invention, comprises an exterior face provided with recessed areas and protrusions such that the thickness g of the precast block wall is uniform, and fastening areas for veneering elements, consisting of ribs set on the protrusions, and/or a surface without recesses and protrusions, obtaining a higher thickness of the precast block wall, for the precast blocks destined to be positioned in the areas where the outer surface of a construction obtained from precast blocks is larger than its inner surface thereof, such that the rate of heat transfer of the construction to be uniform on the entire built surface of said construction, for preventing the occurrence of thermal bridges.