Translucent Building Element Insulating Foam Core
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing translucent concrete elements face challenges in manufacturing, particularly in creating effective insulating core elements that allow light to pass through while maintaining structural integrity and resistance to pressure and temperature changes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of separation panels with elongated light-conducting elements, where these panels are formed by stacking rows of interconnected light-conducting elements with connecting elements that create compartments for insulating foam formation, allowing for the creation of a robust insulating core element that can be used to manufacture insulated, translucent building elements or walls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light-conducting elements are embedded in concrete to create translucent effect, then light transmission is improved, but insulating performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The building element is divided into three distinct layers: outer concrete layer, middle insulating foam layer, and inner concrete layer. The light-conducting elements are embedded only in the outer concrete layer, allowing light transmission without compromising the insulating foam layer's thermal performance. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by spatially separating the light transmission function from the insulating function.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the building element are assigned different properties: the outer layer contains light-conducting elements for illumination, while the middle layer contains insulating foam for thermal insulation. Each layer is optimized for its specific function, allowing the element as a whole to achieve both light transmission and insulating performance simultaneously.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If insulating foam is added to improve thermal performance, then insulating performance is improved, but structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The building element is segmented into an outer structural concrete layer and an inner insulating foam layer. The concrete layer provides the necessary structural strength and integrity, while the foam layer provides insulation. This segmentation allows each material to perform its optimal function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The building element uses a composite structure combining concrete and insulating foam materials. The concrete provides structural strength and durability, while the foam provides thermal insulation. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by combining materials with complementary properties in a multi-layer configuration.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If multiple layers are added to improve insulation, then insulating performance is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating foam layer is formed in advance between the concrete layers, creating a pre-assembled sandwich structure. The light-conducting elements are embedded in the outer layer during its formation. This preliminary arrangement of layers simplifies the overall manufacturing process compared to assembling multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing process merges the formation of the outer concrete layer, insulating foam layer, and inner concrete layer into a coordinated multi-step process. The foam is injected between the concrete layers, and all layers are cured together, combining multiple functions into a single integrated manufacturing operation that reduces overall complexity.
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 method enables the production of insulated, translucent building elements or walls with improved light transmission and structural resilience, as the insulating foam and light-conducting elements work together to guide light through the building elements while withstanding various pressures and temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
pouring a foam-forming substance in the intermediate space between the separation panels which substance is to form a mono-block of insulating foam
Implementation Method 2
light-conducting elements which extend between two opposite surfaces of the wall... Light can then travel from one side of the wall to the other through the light-conducting elements
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is related to translucent building elements, and more specifically to their manufacture. The present invention comprises a method for the manufacture of an insulating core element for a translucent building element, an insulating core element for a translucent building element, a method for the manufacture of a translucent building element, a translucent building element, a method for the manufacture of a translucent building wall, a translucent building wall, and a method for the manufacture of a multiple of stacked rows of elongated light-conducting elements for an insulating core element.