Adjustable Insulation Fastener With Nested Sliding Parts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fixing devices for thermal and sound insulating materials lack sufficient spacing adjustment capacity and shock resistance, making them impractical and inefficient for use with varying thicknesses of insulating materials.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a first part with a flat base and an open tube, and a third part with a perforating end that can be clipped and secured to the second part, allowing for adjustable spacing and secure rotation, featuring notched surfaces and resilient elements for axial and rotational locking, ensuring easy assembly and adequate impact resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed-spacing fastening device is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to varying insulation material thicknesses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to insulation thicknessVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic spacing adjustment mechanism where the second piece can slide along the tube of the first piece, and the third piece can slide along the tube of the second piece. This allows the spacing between furring strips to be adjusted dynamically to match different insulation material thicknesses, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a multi-component fastening device is used to achieve adjustment, then the spacing adjustment range increases, but the device complexity and number of parts increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespacing adjustment rangeVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a nested structure where the third piece is inserted into the tube of the second piece, which itself is inserted into the tube of the first piece. This nesting arrangement allows multiple adjustment functions to be integrated within a compact structure, achieving wide spacing adjustment without proportionally increasing the number of parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening device is divided into three modular pieces that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each piece contains notched surfaces for engagement and sliding mechanisms for adjustment. This segmentation allows for standardized mass production of individual components while maintaining overall system adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Strength

If a simple clipping mechanism is used, then the ease of installation is high, but the shock resistance and impact strength is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshock resistanceVSAvoidease of installation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening device combines multiple engagement mechanisms: notched surfaces for primary engagement, resilient tabs for secondary engagement and shock absorption, and serrated surfaces for friction-based holding. This composite approach to the fastening mechanism provides both ease of installation through simple clipping motion and high shock resistance through multiple engagement points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient tabs are designed to deflect and absorb impact forces before they reach the primary notched engagement. This beforehand cushioning protects the main engagement mechanism from shock loads, providing both easy installation and high shock resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Strength

If the fastening device requires precise alignment, then the engagement strength is high, but the ease of operation and installation speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengagement strengthVSAvoidinstallation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The notched surfaces are designed so that the notches on the second piece automatically engage with the protrusions on the first piece during the clipping motion, without requiring precise pre-alignment. The resilient tabs similarly self-align and engage during installation. This self-service alignment mechanism maintains high engagement strength while significantly improving installation speed and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2476922B3Device for attaching an insulating building covering
Publication Date: 2019.08.21 ATELIERS LR ETANCO SAS
  • EP2476922B3 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2476922B3 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP2476922B3 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The device (900) has a first piece (901) provided with a tube (920) and including first connecting units connected with a first object e.g. furring (F1). A second piece (902) comprises second connecting units e.g. head (716), connected with a second object. The tube and a third piece (903) are provided in a first relative angular position to slide into one another when respective axes are coincident, and are provided in a second relative angular position to immobilize in translation with the first piece and the third piece relative to one another so as to adjust a spacing between the objects. An independent claim is also included for a method for applying an insulating material on a wall.