Prefabricated Concrete Panel Segmentation for Safe Installation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional construction methods using prefabricated concrete panels for load-bearing walls and floors face challenges such as specific dimensions, installation safety, aesthetic limitations, and increased labor and time due to manual joint production and shoring requirements, particularly in collective housing.

Innovation Solution

The use of prefabricated panels composed of superimposed layers of poured concrete, insulation, and cast concrete, arranged in a lying position with specific panel types for walls and floors, allowing for reduced panel specificity, safer handling, and elimination of shoring needs, along with integrated insulation and decorative finishes, enabling faster and more aesthetically pleasing installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If panels are used at storey height, then construction speed is improved, but installation safety deteriorates due to risk of tipping during handling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstruction speedVSAvoidinstallation safety
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The wall structure is segmented into multiple horizontal levels (first level with lower panels, second level with median panels, third level with upper panels) rather than using single large storey-height panels. This segmentation reduces the size and weight of individual panels, eliminating tipping risks during handling while maintaining construction speed through systematic assembly of smaller units

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from vertical stacking of large panels to horizontal arrangement of smaller panels across multiple levels. Panels are arranged on edge in the lying position across three superimposed levels, changing the dimensional organization from vertical dominance to a distributed horizontal-vertical hybrid structure that improves safety

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If panels are used at storey height, then construction efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to need for shoring

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstruction efficiencyVSAvoidshoring requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Dividing the wall into three levels with smaller panels eliminates the need for shoring support that would be required for large storey-height panels. Each level can be independently supported and assembled without requiring complex temporary shoring structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Panels are pre-assembled in groups of three levels with integrated guidance systems (rebate and key) before final installation. This preliminary organization of panels into manageable units simplifies the on-site assembly process and eliminates the need for complex shoring during installation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional construction methods are used, then aesthetic flexibility is maintained, but labor quantity and construction duration increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic flexibilityVSAvoidconstruction duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functions are merged into single panel units: insulation is integrated within the panel structure (second layer of plate insulation sandwiched between concrete layers), finishes are pre-applied during manufacturing, and structural and aesthetic functions are combined. This eliminates separate manual operations for insulation installation, finishing, and joint production, dramatically reducing labor and time while maintaining aesthetic flexibility through pre-fabricated variations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

All aesthetic and functional elements (insulation, finishes, joint configurations) are prepared in advance during panel manufacturing. Panels are produced with integrated insulation layers, pre-applied exterior finishes, and configured joint systems, eliminating the need for manual production of these elements on-site and reducing construction duration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Stability of the object's composition

If continuous vertical joints are used on floor height, then structural continuity is improved, but aesthetic quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural continuityVSAvoidaesthetic quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The continuous vertical joint is segmented by introducing horizontal joints at each level. Panels are arranged in three superimposed levels with horizontal joints separating them, breaking the visual continuity of vertical joints and improving aesthetics while maintaining structural integrity through proper joint detailing and connection systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The joint configuration transitions from purely vertical continuity to a multi-level horizontal-vertical joint pattern. By arranging panels on edge in the lying position across three levels, the structure introduces horizontal joint elements that interrupt vertical joint lines, creating a more aesthetically pleasing pattern while preserving structural continuity through engineered connections

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 approach significantly reduces construction time, enhances safety and aesthetics, and allows for easier installation with prefabricated components, achieving a finished appearance and improved thermal insulation while enabling innovative design solutions.

Implementation Method 1

a third layer, in cast concrete, which, during its casting, penetrates and passes through the holes so as to constitute means for connecting the two outer layers of concrete and which sandwich the insulating plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConcrete penetration and connection:

Data Source

PatentEP2495374B1Construction for housing with bearing walls and floors made from prefabricated concrete panels
Publication Date: 2014.06.11 LIB IND
  • EP2495374B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2495374B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP2495374B1 patent drawingFigure 6~9

AI summary

The construction has pre-fabricated concrete panels (12) constituted by superposition of a first poured concrete layer, a second board type insulation layer and a third poured concrete layer. The panels are arranged into three superimposed levels that include juxtaposed skirting type lower panels (1), for the first level, resting on a floor, backboard type medial panels (2), for the second level, resting on the lower panels and juxtaposed lintel type upper panels (3), for the third level, resting on the medial panels. The panels comprise metallic reinforcing frame and metallic reinforcing meshes. An independent claim is also included for a panel fabricating mold comprising a skin made of elastomer material.