Timber Frame Element with Compressed Straw Insulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing building elements in timber frame construction struggle to balance cost-effectiveness, high stability for load-bearing walls, and recyclability while meeting stringent thermal insulation, soundproofing, and wind resistance requirements.

Innovation Solution

A timber frame construction element with a rectangular wooden frame and compartments filled with compressed straw, where the straw is compressed to a density of at least 130 kg/m³ to provide load-bearing functionality and stability, reducing the need for extensive wood usage and formwork.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If straw is used as insulation material in timber frame construction, then thermal insulation is improved, but structural stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulationVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines straw (insulation material) with wood frame and diagonal formwork (structural elements) to create a composite building element. The straw is enclosed within the wooden frame structure, allowing it to provide thermal insulation while the wood frame and diagonal bracing provide the necessary structural stability and load-bearing capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If extensive wood usage is employed to ensure stability, then structural strength is improved, but cost and environmental sustainability worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the density parameter of the straw insulation material by compressing it to high density (at least 130 kg/m³). This high-density straw provides enhanced structural stability while requiring less wood for framing and bracing, thereby reducing material costs and improving sustainability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If diagonal formwork is added to stabilize the structure, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity and production cost worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidformwork complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies diagonal formwork locally at critical positions within the timber frame structure rather than throughout the entire structure. This targeted approach provides necessary structural stability while minimizing the amount of additional material and complexity required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Strength

If high-density straw compression is applied, then load-bearing capacity is improved, but manufacturing complexity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload-bearing capacityVSAvoidcompression process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary compression to the straw material before inserting it into the timber frame structure. The straw is pre-compressed to high density (at least 130 kg/m³) in a controlled manner, which simplifies the overall manufacturing process by ensuring the insulation material is ready for insertion without requiring complex on-site compression equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution achieves high stability and thermal insulation while minimizing wood usage and costs, enabling cost-effective construction and ensuring recyclability of materials.

Implementation Method 1

Exterior walls of a building must also have a high level of thermal insulation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

Further requirements include soundproofing and the creation of a comfortable living environment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Data Source

PatentEP4560086A1Building element in wooden frame construction and building
Publication Date: 2025.05.28 HERZ VERMOEGENSVERWALTUNGS GMBH
  • EP4560086A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4560086A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4560086A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a building element (1) with a rectangular wooden frame (2) having four wooden frame beams (4) which, when the building element (1) stands vertically on a horizontal base (3), form a vertical left frame beam (4l), a vertical right frame beam (4r), a horizontal upper frame beam (4o) and a horizontal lower frame beam (4u), and with at least one wooden support beam (5) which is arranged in the wooden frame (2) such that it extends between the left frame beam (4l) and the right frame beam (4r) from the lower frame beam (4u) to the upper frame beam (4o), wherein the respective support beam (5) is fastened to the adjacent vertical beams (4, 5) by means of a plurality of wooden connecting rods (6) which extend horizontally when the building element (1) is standing.Improved stability can be achieved by forming several compartments (7) filled with straw (8) in the wooden frame (2), the straw (8) being compressed in the respective compartment (7).