Adjustable Spacer Device for Frame Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional frame assembly methods are challenging, especially when the distance between the frame spar and the wall reveal is small, requiring difficult spacer element insertion and often necessitating subsequent mortar or masonry work.

Innovation Solution

A backing device with adjustable spacer elements and a clamping mechanism, featuring wedge surfaces and a tensioning screw, allows for precise adjustment and secure fastening of frame bars to a wall area without the need for extensive masonry work, enabling easier and more cost-effective frame installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional spacer elements are used for frame installation, then the frame can be positioned during assembly, but the spacer element insertion becomes extremely difficult when the distance between frame spar and wall reveal is very small

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of spacer element insertionVSAvoiddistance between frame spar and wall reveal
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The spacer device incorporates an adjustable spacing mechanism that allows the distance between the frame bar and wall reveal to be dynamically modified during installation. The adjustment device enables the spacer elements to be positioned at different distances, transforming a static spacer into a dynamic one that can adapt to varying installation conditions, thereby solving the problem of difficult insertion when clearance is minimal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spacer device is divided into multiple functional components: first and second spacer elements, an adjustment device, and a clamping device. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently - the spacer elements provide positioning, the adjustment device modifies the spacing, and the clamping device secures the position, making the overall insertion process more manageable and less difficult.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional fixed spacer elements are used, then the structure is simple, but subsequent mortar or masonry work is often necessary to complete the installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of structureVSAvoidtime for subsequent mortar or masonry work
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The spacer device combines multiple functions into a single integrated system: positioning (through spacer elements), adjustment (through the adjustment device), and permanent fixation (through the clamping device). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for subsequent mortar or masonry work, as the clamping device provides permanent mechanical fixation that replaces traditional masonry methods, saving time and additional construction steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If adjustable spacer devices are introduced to solve insertion difficulties, then ease of installation improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of frame installationVSAvoidcomplexity of spacer device
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into distinct functional modules: spacer elements for positioning, an adjustment device for modifying distance, and a clamping device for securing. This segmentation allows each module to be relatively simple in design while the combination provides comprehensive functionality, reducing overall complexity compared to a single integrated complex mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Facilitates easier and more economical frame assembly by allowing precise adjustment and secure fastening of frame bars to a wall area, reducing installation difficulties and eliminating the need for subsequent mortar or masonry work.

Implementation Method 1

The adjusting and clamping device (30) has a wedge-shaped adjustment element (58) which can be adjusted in its position between the spacer elements (22, 26)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWedge: Wedge

Implementation Method 2

exerting clamping pressure between the support surfaces (24, 28)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3608495B1Spacer device and frame comprising same
Publication Date: 2023.03.29 HORMANN KG FREISEN
  • EP3608495B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3608495B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3608495B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

For more convenient installation, the invention provides a backing device (10) for backing a frame (12), which comprises at least one frame member (14) that is to be attached to a wall area bordering a building opening by means of a fastener (16), wherein the backing device (10) has a first spacer element (22) with a first support surface (24) for supporting it on the wall area, a second spacer element (26) with a second support surface (28) for supporting it on the frame member (14), an adjusting and clamping device (30) for adjusting the distance between the first and second support surfaces (24, 28) and for exerting clamping pressure between the support surfaces (24, 28), and an opening (36) on the support surfaces (24, 28) for the fastener (16) to pass through, by means of which the first member is to be attached to the wall area.