Wall Element Heat-Insulating Core Thermal Bridge Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current building wall elements with integrated heat-insulating materials suffer from reduced thermal insulation efficiency due to structural weaknesses, high thermal conductivity of supporting matrices, and inefficiencies in heat transfer paths, leading to increased heat flux through thermal bridges and reduced overall insulating performance.
Innovation Solution
A wall element design featuring a heat-insulating core with face, side, and internal blocks connected by shorter connecting members, and a supporting matrix with strategically placed joints and walls that increase thermal resistance by optimizing the path of heat flow, allowing for the use of materials with higher thermal conductivity for structural integrity and vapor permeability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a thick layer of heat insulator (foamed polystyrene or mineral wool) is applied onto the wall to meet heat insulating requirements, then thermal insulating power is improved, but structural strength is reduced and sensitivity to fire increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the structural matrix and heat-insulating core into a single integrated wall element. The supporting matrix (30-70% volume) and heat-insulating core (70-30% volume) are combined in a composite structure where the matrix provides structural strength and the core provides thermal insulation, eliminating the need for separate thick insulator layers while maintaining both structural integrity and thermal performance.
2Quantity of substance
If air-filled voids are used as insulator to reduce material usage, then material cost is reduced, but heat exchange surface area increases due to convective movements and humidity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a heat-insulating core made of porous materials (foamed polystyrene, mineral wool, or other insulating materials) that are designed to minimize convective movements and moisture accumulation. The porous structure traps air in small cells, preventing free convection, while the material selection and configuration control humidity to maintain effective thermal insulation.
3Strength
If the supporting matrix has an intricate structure with insulating material penetrating into it, then structural integrity is improved, but thermal bridges are created that reduce heat insulating power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct zones within the wall element: the supporting matrix regions provide structural support where needed, while the heat-insulating core regions provide thermal insulation. The connecting members are designed to minimize thermal bridge effects by using materials and configurations that reduce heat conduction, allowing each local region to optimize its primary function without significantly compromising the other.
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 design enhances thermal resistance and insulating power, enabling the construction of single-layer walls with U coefficients of 0.1 W/m²K or less, while maintaining structural properties and using typical construction materials, thus improving energy efficiency and reducing material losses.
Implementation Method 1
the heat-insulating core with face blocks (1), side blocks (2) and internal blocks (3) connected by means of connecting members (4), (5)... the adjacent longitudinal walls are interconnected... by means of transverse walls... and/or by means of transverse walls oblique to the faces of the element...
Implementation Method 2
A wall element design featuring a heat-insulating core... and a supporting matrix with strategically placed joints and walls that increase thermal resistance by optimizing the path of heat flow... enhances thermal resistance and insulating power
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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Figure 10~15
AI summary
A wall element with heat-insulating core made of heat-insulating materials with strength sufficient to enable formation of supporting matrix, for which, during its production, it forms part of a mould, it contains at least two internal blocks (3) the widths of which (A1, A2) at the point of contingence of the joint (11) or (17) or transverse wall (15) to their longitudinal surface is smaller than the distance (B) between the joint or transverse wall abutting the longitudinal surface of the block on one side and the joint or transverse wall abutting the longitudinal surface of that block on the other side, whereas the direct joints and perpendicular transverse walls or oblique joints that connect one pair of adjacent longitudinal walls are spaced from the middle of the element at a distance different from the distance between the middle of the element and joints or walls that connect the next pair of adjacent longitudinal walls.