Precast Concrete Wall Element with Segmented Vacuum Insulation Panel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wall elements with vacuum insulation panels struggle to integrate a sealing element effectively, particularly when adjacent to other structural components, due to the fixed dimensions of precast concrete parts which hinder the introduction and positioning of sealing elements.

Innovation Solution

A design where one precast concrete part is shorter than the other, creating a gap for the introduction of a sealing element, which can then be filled with in-situ concrete to form a continuous wall, utilizing anchors and a vacuum insulation panel connected to both concrete parts for structural integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If precast concrete parts are made with fixed dimensions to ensure structural integrity, then manufacturing precision and structural strength are improved, but the ability to integrate sealing elements is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedimensional precision of precast concrete partsVSAvoidability to integrate sealing elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The wall element is divided into multiple precast concrete parts (outer precast concrete part and inner precast concrete part) with different lengths. This segmentation allows the shorter inner precast concrete part to create space for sealing element integration while the outer precast concrete part maintains structural dimensions, thus resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and adaptability for sealing elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If precast concrete parts are made with different lengths to accommodate sealing elements, then adaptability for sealing integration is improved, but structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration capability for sealing elementsVSAvoidstructural complexity of wall element
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing element is integrated into the space created by the shorter inner precast concrete part, merging the sealing function with the structural assembly. This combining approach allows the different lengths of precast concrete parts to serve dual purposes: maintaining structural integrity while providing integrated sealing capability, thus improving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of energy

If vacuum insulation panel is directly connected to both concrete parts, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but difficulty in sealing integration worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulation performanceVSAvoiddifficulty in sealing element integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the vacuum insulation panel and concrete parts is segmented through the use of anchors that pass through the shorter inner precast concrete part. This segmentation allows the vacuum insulation panel to be directly connected to both concrete parts for optimal thermal insulation, while the anchored connection method facilitates sealing element integration by providing discrete connection points rather than continuous complex interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables the effective integration and sealing of vacuum insulation panels with precast concrete parts, ensuring thermal insulation and structural cohesion while allowing for the introduction of sealing elements, enhancing the overall performance and assembly of wall elements.

Implementation Method 1

a core layer (38) made of a vacuum insulation panel (VIP), which comprises one or more vacuum insulation panels

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum insulation: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

an outer precast concrete part (2) and an inner precast concrete part (1), which are connected to one another by anchors (14)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP1734197B1Wall element comprising vacuum insulation panel arranged between two prefabricated concrete parts
Publication Date: 2011.09.14 VARIOTEC SANDWICHELEMENTE
  • EP1734197B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1734197B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP1734197B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A wall element comprises a vacuum insulation panel (38), an outer precast concrete element (2), and an inner precast concrete element (1), which are connected to each other by anchors. To improve such a wall element, a precast concrete element (1) is spaced apart from the vacuum insulation panel (38). This precast concrete element (1) is shorter than the other precast concrete element (2), such that a sealing element (20) can be inserted when assembled with another building element (13a) (Fig. 1).