Ventilated Steel Support for Wooden Wall Decay Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection systems in wooden building constructions fail to effectively address humidity stagnation at the concrete-wood interface, leading to potential decay, especially in multi-storey buildings under static loads, and require complex and invasive solutions.
Innovation Solution
A modular, polyvalent support structure composed of stainless steel sections with an isosceles trapezoidal cross-section, featuring inclined sides and a continuous air chamber, which integrates with the concrete foundation and allows airflow to prevent humidity accumulation, and can be easily implemented on-site without significant project changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If simple waterproofing elements are interposed between concrete and wood, then humidity protection is provided, but the solution is insufficient to prevent decay at the interface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a metal support structure with an air chamber as an intermediary element between the concrete foundation and the wooden wall. This mediator creates a physical separation and enables air circulation, actively removing humidity rather than merely shielding against it, thus preventing decay at the vulnerable interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes air circulation (pneumatic principle) through the metal support structure's air chamber to actively remove humidity from the interface between concrete and wood. The airflow prevents moisture accumulation that would otherwise lead to decay, transforming a static waterproofing approach into a dynamic humidity control system.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If complex support structures are used to prevent humidity stagnation, then decay protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The metal support structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for the wooden wall, creates an air chamber for humidity control, and acts as a spacer to maintain the air gap. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, reducing overall device complexity while effectively preventing humidity stagnation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the support function and the humidity control function into a single integrated metal structure. The support piece with its air chamber combines structural bearing capacity with passive ventilation capability, simplifying the overall system compared to using separate support elements and humidity control devices.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If invasive solutions are implemented to address humidity at the concrete-wood interface, then decay prevention is improved, but ease of implementation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The metal support structure is pre-fabricated with the air chamber and ventilation features already integrated into its design. This preliminary preparation allows for easy on-site installation without requiring complex field operations or modifications to the concrete foundation, making the decay prevention solution both effective and simple to implement.
4Strength
If traditional connection systems are used, then structural support is provided, but humidity ventilation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The metal support structure simultaneously provides structural support for the wooden wall and creates a ventilated air chamber for humidity control. This dual functionality resolves the contradiction by integrating both mechanical strength and environmental protection into a single component, rather than requiring separate systems.
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 effectively prevents decay of wooden elements by creating a ventilated interface that reduces humidity stagnation, supports multi-storey structures, and is cost-effective, efficient, and aesthetically non-invasive, while allowing for easy maintenance and adaptation to various loads and designs.
Implementation Method 1
create a continuous air chamber which runs along the entire perimeter of the wall for circulation of air touching the base of said wall
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
Multi-purpose support structure for wooden building walls, particularly by interposition into the concrete-wooden interface on foundations and slabs, comprising an air chamber (8) with circulation, even of the forcible type, to directly touch the wooden interface (11), defined by a metal section (2), preferably made of steel, with at least one quadrilateral section with an open side (7), directed - in use - at the upper part on the side for contact with the wooden interface (11) opposite to the support concrete socle or floor, with sides or edges (5) preferably apically inclined inwardly at the upper part provided with outward means (6) for supporting the base (11) of the wooden wall (10), at least one of which preferably extends into a bracket (9) for fixing to the wooden raised part of the wall (10), successively connected even angularly (12) to continuously circuit - beneath - entire perimeter of the wooden base (11) of the walls (10), connectable to ventilator means adapted force an airflow into the circuit.