Adjustable Roofing Fastener for Variable Insulation Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fasteners are not adaptable to varying insulation panel thicknesses, requiring multiple lengths to be stocked, which is inefficient and unsuitable for concrete roof installations.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable fastener system comprising an anchor component, a drive component, and a finish head component, allowing for adjustable height settings by threading the finish head onto the anchor component after driving the anchor into position, eliminating the need for multiple fastener lengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fasteners with fixed lengths are used, then the fastening function is simple and reliable, but multiple fastener lengths must be stocked to accommodate varying insulation panel thicknesses
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener system employs a two-component design where the shaft and head can be separated and recombined at different height configurations. The shaft features an externally threaded portion that engages with the head, allowing the head to be positioned at various heights relative to the insulation panel surface. This dynamic reconfigurability enables a single fastener type to accommodate multiple thickness variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener is divided into distinct segments: a shaft portion with threading and a separate head portion. This segmentation allows the components to be assembled in different configurations, enabling adjustment of the head's position relative to the insulation panel. The segmented design provides versatility without requiring multiple complete fastener assemblies.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fastener lengths are stocked for different insulation thicknesses, then all thickness variations can be accommodated, but time and effort are wasted selecting and managing multiple fastener types
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener system is designed as a universal solution where a single shaft component can work with multiple head components at different heights. This multi-functionality allows the same shaft to be used across various insulation thicknesses by simply changing the head position or selecting from standardized head heights, eliminating the need to stock multiple specialized fastener lengths.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows adjustment of the fastener's effective length by changing the head's position on the threaded shaft. By varying this dimensional parameter, the same basic fastener design can accommodate different insulation panel thicknesses, reducing the need to manage multiple fastener inventories.
3Ease of operation
If conventional fasteners are used, then the installation process is straightforward, but the risk of installing incorrect fastener lengths increases
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded connection acts as an intermediary mechanism between the shaft and head, providing a controlled adjustment system. This intermediary allows for precise positioning of the head at the correct height, ensuring proper fastener length selection without requiring the installer to memorize or track multiple fastener specifications.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable fastener system generally includes an anchor component, a drive component, and a finish head component. The finish head component is threaded onto the anchor component to form the completed fastener that may be adjusted to different heights. The drive component is used to drive the anchor component into position prior to adjusting the finish head component. In some embodiments, the drive component may be used before the finish head component is installed, and in other embodiments, the drive component may be used with the finish head component installed. The adjustable fastener system saves time and effort at a construction site, eliminates the amount of prep work, and eliminates the need to have multiple different fasteners on site. The adjustable fastener system may be used for installing insulation panels over concrete in a roofing system as well as other applications.