Wall for a building

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-layer wall structures fail to effectively utilize the thermal advantages of both wood and inorganic materials for improved heat exchange and insulation, often leading to issues like mold growth, inefficient heat capacity, and aesthetically unpleasing designs.

Innovation Solution

A wall structure with a wood layer spaced from an inorganic carrier layer using wooden dowels or screws as spacer elements, incorporating thermally conductive cast layers for efficient heat exchange, and optionally featuring a laminated wood element for enhanced insulation and fire safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the brick wall is positioned outside the wooden wall to protect it from the elements, then the supporting layer is protected, but the thermal conductivity increases and the temperature drops below dew point causing mold growth

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of supporting layerVSAvoidmold growth
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The wall is divided into multiple functional layers: an inner wooden wall layer, an insulating layer, and an outer brick support layer. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function - the wooden layer provides interior finishing and moisture regulation, the insulating layer prevents thermal bridging and maintains temperature above dew point, and the brick layer provides structural support and exterior protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An insulating layer is introduced as an intermediary between the wooden wall and the brick support layer. This intermediary layer has low thermal conductivity, which prevents heat transfer that would otherwise cause the brick layer temperature to drop below dew point. The insulating layer mediates the thermal interaction between the two wall layers, eliminating the harmful effect of condensation and mold growth.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of energy

If insulation material is placed between the wood layer and inorganic layer, then insulation value increases, but thermal advantages of different layers cannot be utilized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat lossVSAvoidheat exchange efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Different layers of the wall are assigned different thermal properties optimized for their specific locations and functions. The inner wooden layer has moderate insulation properties and high heat capacity for interior comfort, while the outer brick layer has high thermal mass for absorbing external temperature variations. The insulating layer between them has very low thermal conductivity to minimize heat transfer. This local differentiation of thermal qualities allows each layer to contribute its specific thermal advantage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The wall construction uses a composite structure combining organic wood material and inorganic brick material with an insulating layer in between. This composite design leverages the complementary thermal properties of different materials - the wood provides interior finishing and moisture regulation, the insulation minimizes heat transfer, and the brick provides structural support and thermal mass. The composite structure enables both layers to contribute their thermal advantages simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Use of energy by moving object

If pipes are attached to wall layers using clips or aluminum sheets, then heat exchange is improved, but thermal bridges are created negatively impacting heat transfer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat exchangeVSAvoidthermal bridge loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using metal clips or sheets that create thermal bridges, the patent uses wooden spacers as intermediaries to attach the heating pipes to the wall layers. These wooden spacers have thermal conductivity similar to the wooden wall layer, creating a continuous thermal path without abrupt conductivity changes. This intermediary approach maintains thermal uniformity across the wall structure while still enabling effective heat transfer from the pipes to the wall and subsequently to the interior space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 configuration enhances indoor climate control, reduces the risk of mold growth, optimizes heat exchange, and provides a visually appealing and environmentally friendly solution for both new and renovated buildings, potentially eliminating the need for conventional heating devices.

Implementation Method 1

the connecting layer has a thermally conductive cast layer such as grout concrete

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

spacering the wood layer from the support layer with spacer elements... enables improved heat exchange

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3336274B1Wall for a building
Publication Date: 2020.10.14 THOMA ERWIN
  • EP3336274B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3336274B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3336274B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a wall for a building and a method for producing a building shell, the wall having a plurality of layers with at least one wood layer (3) and at least one carrier layer (1) made of inorganic material, and in that the wood layer (3) is placed on the The carrier layer (1) is applied and that before and/or after the application of the wood layer (3) lines (6) are arranged on the carrier layer (1) and/or on the wood layer (3). The object of the invention is to enable good thermal insulation and to use an existing carrier layer (1) as a heat accumulator. This is achieved in that a connecting layer (2) is arranged between the carrier layer (1) and the wood layer (3) and the connecting layer (2) contains lines (6) for heat exchange, and that the wood layer (3) is placed on the carrier layer (1) is applied and that before and/or after the application of the wood layer (3), lines (6) are arranged on the carrier layer (1) and/or on the wood layer (3).