Segmented Masonry Block with Air Gaps for Thermal and Acoustic Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing masonry elements with thermal and sound insulating properties face challenges in achieving optimal insulation performance due to limitations in material thickness, sound insulating properties, and structural integrity, particularly when using high dynamic stiffness materials like EPS.
Innovation Solution
The masonry element incorporates an insulation core made of standard EPS or other foamed plastics with a specific design that divides the insulating material into multiple layers and uses a continuous supporting member to surround the insulating core, optimizing thermal and sound insulation while maintaining structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a thick insulation layer (at least 25 cm) is used to meet thermal insulation requirements, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but the element becomes difficult to handle and transport and may fail under its own weight
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation layer is divided into multiple thin layers separated by air gaps, creating a multi-layered structure. This segmentation allows the total insulation thickness to be achieved while distributing the weight and improving both thermal and sound insulation performance through the combined effect of multiple insulation layers and air spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces air gaps (voids) between the insulation layers, creating a porous structure. Air is an excellent thermal insulator, and the porous configuration enhances thermal insulation performance while keeping the overall weight low, as air replaces dense insulating material in the gap regions.
2Loss of energy
If EPS insulation material is used to improve thermal insulation, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but sound insulation properties deteriorate due to high dynamic stiffness
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous EPS insulation layer is segmented into multiple thin layers separated by air gaps. This segmentation disrupts the sound transmission path, as sound waves encounter multiple interfaces and air gaps that impede their propagation, thereby improving sound insulation while maintaining the thermal insulation benefits of the EPS material.
Solution Approach 2:
Air gaps are introduced as intermediary elements between the EPS insulation layers. These air gaps act as sound barriers, blocking sound transmission through the wall assembly, while still allowing the EPS layers to provide their thermal insulation function. The air serves as a mediating layer that improves sound insulation without compromising thermal performance.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the supporting member is completely separated from the insulation layer to improve sound insulation, then sound insulation properties are improved, but additional connection means are required during construction which affect thermal and sound insulation
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting member is designed with a segmented structure that includes protrusions and recesses, allowing it to engage with the insulation layers at multiple discrete points rather than requiring complete separation or continuous connection. This segmented connection approach maintains sound insulation by minimizing thermal bridges while providing adequate structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting member features localized connection points (protrusions and recesses) rather than continuous contact with the insulation layers. This local quality approach allows the supporting member to provide structural support where needed while leaving the majority of the insulation layers separated, thereby maintaining both thermal and sound insulation properties without requiring additional connection means.
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 design achieves improved sound insulating properties by up to 2 dB compared to traditional solutions, maintains thermal insulation performance, and reduces the surface density of the wall, while also ensuring excellent fire resistance and ease of construction.
Implementation Method 1
a masonry element with sound insulating and thermal insulating properties comprising an insulation core
Implementation Method 2
improved sound insulating properties by up to 2 dB compared to traditional solutions
Data Source
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AI summary
A sound insulating and thermal insulating masonry block comprising a continuous supporting member bonded by interlocking and adhesion with a continuous thermal insulation core, in its cross-section parallel to the base of the masonry block comprising at least two walls of the supporting structure (4) and (5) and at least one insulating material layer (3) separating the supporting member at the entire length of the masonry block, wherein the insulating material layers in contact with the top surface of the masonry block form a different shape than the insulating material layers in contact with the bottom surface of the masonry block, at the entire masonry block height, said masonry block comprises a top part (1) including the insulating material in contact with the top surface of the masonry block and a bottom part (2) including the insulating material in contact with the bottom surface of the masonry block, and in the cross- sections perpendicular to the end surfaces of the masonry block, the insulating material layers, at least 20% of the masonry block length are formed in such a way that when the insulating material layer in contact with the top surface of the masonry block is closer to the first end surface of the masonry block, the insulating material layer in contact with the bottom part of the masonry block is closer to the second end surface of the masonry block, at least a single wall of the supporting member in the first horizontal part adjoins at least two walls of the supporting member in the adjacent second horizontal part; if the masonry block in its top part and its bottom part includes a single insulating material layer, the maximum width of the insulating material layer is 30% of the width of the masonry block; if the masonry blocks includes at least two insulating material layers (13 and 14), at least one of said layers separates the supporting member at the entire length of the masonry block, and an internal wall of the supporting member is formed between the layers of the insulating material (15), wherein at least one of the insulating material layers in the top part of the masonry block, as viewed from the top, partially overlaps at least two layers of the insulating material at the bottom part of the masonry block, and each wall of the supporting member of the first horizontal part is in contact with at least two walls of the supporting member adjacent to the second horizontal part.