Wooden Wall Base Structure for Moisture-Proof Thermal Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for building foundations below ground level, particularly for timber walls, are expensive and prone to moisture ingress leading to rot, as they require lowering the ground or water-bearing level, which is not always feasible, and existing solutions do not adequately address moisture penetration through leaks.

Innovation Solution

A plastic-based, moisture-resistant base with a stable frame and dimensionally stable infill elements made of thermal insulation material, such as recycled glass foam, integrated into timber wall constructions, providing a durable and thermally efficient solution that can be installed at ground level without rot risk.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the ground level or water-bearing level is lowered to prevent moisture ingress, then the timber wall can be protected from rot, but the construction cost increases significantly and the ground level cannot always be lowered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from rotVSAvoidconstruction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A plastic base is introduced as an intermediary element between the timber wall and the ground. This base acts as a moisture barrier that prevents water ingress without requiring ground level lowering. The plastic material is impermeable to moisture, creating a protective interface that isolates the timber structure from rot-causing conditions while maintaining the original ground level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The plastic base uses inexpensive, easily replaceable materials compared to expensive foundation modifications. If the base becomes compromised or needs upgrading, it can be removed and replaced without major structural work, unlike lowered ground levels or complex drainage systems that are difficult and costly to modify later.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If the ground level is lowered or water-bearing level is reduced, then moisture penetration is prevented, but the construction becomes expensive and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemoisture protectionVSAvoidconstruction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The plastic base serves as a simple intermediary component that provides moisture protection through its impermeable nature. This single element replaces complex systems such as lowered ground levels, extensive drainage channels, or waterproofing membranes, significantly reducing construction complexity while maintaining effective moisture barrier functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the key parameter from ground level modification to material property selection. Instead of altering the physical configuration of the ground (lowering it), the solution uses a material with specific impermeable properties (plastic) to achieve moisture protection, simplifying the construction approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If moisture penetration occurs through leaks at connections, then the wall structure eventually fails due to rot, but existing foundation methods do not address this adequately

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelong-term durabilityVSAvoidmoisture penetration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The plastic base creates a continuous moisture barrier that extends to the edges and connections of the timber wall structure. This intermediary layer prevents moisture from reaching the timber at critical connection points such as door and window openings, where leaks are most likely to occur, thereby protecting the long-term durability of the entire structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If a plastic base is used instead of wood, then moisture resistance and durability are improved, but the material must be compatible with carpentry machinery and sealing materials

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemoisture resistanceVSAvoidcompatibility with carpentry processes
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention selects plastic materials with specific physical parameters that enable compatibility with existing carpentry processes. The plastic is formulated to be workable with standard carpentry machinery for cutting and shaping, while also being compatible with commercially available sealing materials for joining and waterproofing, thus maintaining adaptability to existing construction workflows.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The plastic base can be used in combination with timber wall structures, creating a hybrid construction system. The plastic provides moisture resistance while the timber provides structural function, and the two materials can be joined using compatible sealing materials and connection methods, achieving both protection and integration with traditional carpentry.

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

The solution offers a cost-effective, moisture-proof and thermally insulated base that supports timber walls, preventing rot and ensuring structural stability while allowing seamless integration with standard carpentry processes.

Implementation Method 1

dimensionally stable infill elements made of thermal insulation material... The thermal conductivity of the construction material for the frame struts is preferably between 0.070 and 0.090 W/(mK)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

The material according to the invention, which differs from wood and is in particular a plastic material, is moisture-resistant, highly durable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMoisture resistance: Hydrophobe

Data Source

PatentEP3983619B1Buildings with at least one wooden wall with an attached base
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 EBERL WALTER
  • EP3983619B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3983619B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3983619B1 patent drawingFigure 3~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to a base for a wooden wall of a building, which wooden wall is at least partly made of wood, the base (16) comprising a frame (23) composed of interconnected struts (16) having recesses (22) therebetween, the struts (18) of the frame (23) consisting of a material other than wood, preferably a plastic material, and wherein, in order to increase the mechanical stability of the base, dimensionally stable and highly resilient filling elements (19) made of a thermal insulation material and fitted to the shapes of the recesses are inserted into the recesses (22), which filling elements are firmly connected to the struts (18) of the frame (23) and support the struts (18) of the frame (23).