Building Wall Connection Modules for Shear and Thermal Expansion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wall connection systems between building walls and floor or ceiling slabs inadequately absorb shear forces and fail to decouple deformation and force transmission, leading to uneven force distribution and potential wall expansion issues.

Innovation Solution

The use of molded blocks with distinct fixed and plain bearing modules, where fixed bearing modules absorb and transmit shear forces and maintain wall stability, while plain bearing modules allow longitudinal movement to compensate for thermal expansion, thereby distributing shear forces effectively and maintaining structural integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If identical connection elements are used throughout the wall, then manufacturing is simplified, but force distribution becomes uneven and wall expansion is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidforce distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection elements are segmented into two distinct types: fixed bearing modules and sliding bearing modules. This segmentation allows each module to perform a specific function - fixed modules provide stable force transmission while sliding modules accommodate thermal expansion. The wall connection system is divided into zones with different module types, creating a heterogeneous structure that improves both manufacturing clarity and structural reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different connection modules are assigned to different locations along the wall based on local requirements. Fixed bearing modules are placed where stable force transmission is needed, while sliding bearing modules are positioned where thermal expansion accommodation is critical. This local differentiation optimizes the performance of each section of the wall connection system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Force

If fixed bearing modules are used throughout, then force transmission is maximized, but wall movement due to thermal expansion is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce transmission capabilityVSAvoidthermal expansion accommodation
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system incorporates dynamic elements through sliding bearing modules that can move relative to the wall and floor/ceiling slab. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to thermal expansion while fixed bearing modules maintain force transmission. The combination creates a semi-dynamic system that balances stability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Sliding bearing modules act as intermediaries between the fixed bearing modules and the wall structure. These intermediate elements absorb the thermal expansion movements and prevent them from being transmitted to the fixed modules, thereby protecting the overall structure while maintaining force transmission capability through the fixed modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If sliding bearing modules are used throughout, then thermal expansion is accommodated, but shear force transmission is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal expansion accommodationVSAvoidshear force transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is segmented into fixed bearing modules for shear force transmission and sliding bearing modules for thermal expansion accommodation. This segmentation ensures that each function is performed by the appropriate module type, preventing the compromise that would occur if sliding modules were used throughout.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Temperature

If compression elements are spaced at intervals in the insulating body, then thermal insulation is improved, but shear force transmission capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulation performanceVSAvoidshear force absorption
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system separates the compression elements into discrete modules (fixed and sliding bearing modules) that are spaced at intervals within the insulating body. This segmentation maintains thermal insulation by leaving gaps filled with insulating material while each module independently provides shear force transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system uses composite construction with bearing modules made of load-bearing materials (such as concrete or steel) embedded in an insulating material matrix. This composite structure allows the system to simultaneously achieve thermal insulation from the insulating material and shear force transmission from the bearing modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 solution enhances the ability to absorb and distribute shear forces, preventing uneven expansion and ensuring a stable connection between building walls and slabs, particularly in long structures, by allowing relative movement and decoupling deformation and force transmission.

Implementation Method 1

allow movements of the wall occurring in the longitudinal direction of the building wall relative to the floor or ceiling slab

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 2

absorb shear forces acting in the longitudinal direction of the building wall and to transfer them to the floor or ceiling slab below or above it

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShear stress: Shear Stress

Implementation Method 3

insulating body for thermally separating the components

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP3296476B1Assembly for connecting a building wall with a floor or ceiling plate and form block for such an assembly
Publication Date: 2024.04.24 SCHOECK BAUTEILE GMBH
  • EP3296476B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3296476B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3296476B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to an arrangement (100, 200) for connecting a substantially vertical building wall, in particular a load-bearing wall, with a floor or ceiling slab and for forming a wall connection system, comprising several shaped building blocks (150, 160) for arrangement between a building wall (120, 220) and a floor or ceiling slab (110, 130), for supporting the building wall (120, 220) on the floor or ceiling slab (110, 130) respectively.for supporting the floor or ceiling slab on the building wall, which are designed to transmit vertical compressive forces from the building wall to the floor or ceiling slab, wherein at least one of the shaped building blocks (150, 160) is designed as a fixed bearing building block and is designed to absorb shear forces acting in the longitudinal direction of the wall and to transmit them to the floor or ceiling slab below or above in order to fix the building wall relative to the floor or ceiling slab, and wherein at least one of the shaped building blocks (150, 160) is designed as a sliding bearing building block and is designed to allow movements of the wall occurring in the longitudinal direction of the wall relative to the floor or ceiling slab without significant force transmission in the longitudinal direction of the wall.