Thermal Insulation System with Variable Compression Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal insulation systems for load-bearing connections in concrete buildings face challenges in variability and adaptability to different static requirements, often resulting in oversized connections or inadequate thermal performance due to thermal bridges.
Innovation Solution
A thermal insulation system featuring a cuboid insulating body with vertically extending recesses for variable pressure elements and blind plugs, allowing for customizable configuration and integration with continuous reinforcement elements for secure load transmission, while preventing concrete intrusion and ensuring easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If monolithic connection with continuous reinforcement is used, then load-bearing connection between building parts is achieved, but thermal bridges are created that are difficult to eliminate
Solution Approach 1:
The connection element is segmented into an insulating body and separate pressure elements. The insulating body is divided into multiple sections with recesses that accommodate individual pressure elements, allowing thermal separation while maintaining load-bearing connection. This segmentation breaks the continuous thermal path while preserving structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating body acts as an intermediary between the building parts, replacing the direct concrete-to-concrete contact with a thermal insulator. The pressure elements serve as intermediaries to transmit compressive forces through the insulating body, enabling load transfer without creating thermal bridges.
2Loss of energy
If pressure elements are embedded in insulating body, then thermal separation is achieved, but position and size must be adapted to statics requiring individual manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating body is designed as a universal component with multiple identical recesses arranged in a standardized pattern. This universal design allows the same insulating body to be used in various applications by simply varying the number and arrangement of pressure elements, eliminating the need for individual manufacturing while maintaining thermal separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic adaptation of the pressure element configuration. Pressure elements can be selectively placed in different recesses depending on the static requirements, enabling the same insulating body to adapt to different load conditions without requiring custom manufacturing for each application.
3Reliability
If connection element is designed for maximum load, then all load requirements are met, but element is oversized in many applications
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic scalability by allowing the number of pressure elements to be adjusted according to the actual load requirements. For maximum load, all recesses can be filled with pressure elements; for lighter loads, fewer pressure elements are used. This eliminates the need to design for maximum load in all cases, reducing material usage while maintaining reliability.
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 system provides adaptable thermal insulation suitable for various applications, eliminating thermal bridges and ensuring secure load-bearing connections with reduced material usage and improved handling during construction.
Implementation Method 1
The insulating body causes a thermal separation of the parts of the building connected via this
Implementation Method 2
the compressive force resulting from the building being passed on to the part of the building below via the pressure elements
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
To provide a thermal insulation system for the vertical, load-bearing connection of building components made of concrete, which is variably applicable and can be adapted to a multitude of applications according to the respective static requirements, a thermal insulation system is provided which comprises an insulating body and one or more compression elements. According to the invention, the insulating body is designed such that it has a plurality of recesses extending vertically from a top to a bottom through the insulating body, in which a variable number of compression elements, designed as individual compression elements, can be inserted. Thus, the number and, if necessary, also the properties of the individual compression elements can be adapted to the respective static requirements, so that the thermal insulation system is suitable for a multitude of different applications.