Adjustment Dowel for Insulation Surface Uniformity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing insulation systems face challenges in achieving a homogeneous surface due to uneven substructures and varying densities of insulating materials, leading to complex leveling and gluing processes, and potential stress cracks under environmental influences.

Innovation Solution

A dowel with a fastening element that allows stepless adjustment of the distance between the insulating material and the substructure, enabling flexible positioning and compression/decompression without loosening the anchoring, using a mechanism with a thread or expanding element for secure anchoring and adjustable holding means.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a known retaining element is used to fasten insulating material to a substructure, then the insulation material is securely fixed, but the surface becomes uneven due to substructure unevenness and varying compression levels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening securityVSAvoidsurface uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining element incorporates an adjustable holding means that can be continuously repositioned along the fastening element's length. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the holding means to be positioned at different distances from the substructure, compensating for surface unevenness and enabling creation of a uniform insulation surface while maintaining secure fastening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the parameter of distance between the holding means and the substructure by allowing continuous adjustment of the holding means position along the fastening element. This parameter change enables adaptation to varying substructure conditions and insulation material densities, achieving both secure fastening and surface uniformity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the retaining element compresses the insulation material to ensure contact with the substructure, then fastening is secure, but uneven pressure distribution causes misalignment and surface unevenness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening securityVSAvoidboard alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustable holding means allows dynamic control of compression force distribution. By repositioning the holding means along the fastening element, uniform pressure can be applied across the insulation board surface, preventing misalignment while maintaining secure contact with the substructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If the holding means is fixed at a specific position on the fastening element, then the installation is simple, but the distance between insulation material and substructure cannot be adjusted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoiddistance adjustability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The holding means is designed to be movable along the fastening element rather than fixed, providing continuous adjustability of the insulation material distance from the substructure. This dynamic design maintains relative installation simplicity while significantly improving adaptability to different installation conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustable mechanism serves multiple functions: it secures the insulation material, allows distance adjustment, and enables adaptation to various substructure conditions. This multi-functionality achieves both ease of installation and versatility without requiring multiple different retaining elements.

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

4Adaptability or versatility

If the fastening element is loosened to adjust the holding means position, then the distance can be changed, but the anchoring strength is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance adjustabilityVSAvoidanchoring strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening element is segmented into distinct functional zones: an anchoring region that secures the element in the substructure and a adjustment region where the holding means can be repositioned. This segmentation allows the holding means to be adjusted along the fastening element without requiring loosening of the anchoring portion, maintaining anchoring strength while enabling distance adjustability.

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

This solution ensures a homogeneous surface can be achieved, allowing for even plaster application and improved durability by maintaining anchoring strength during adjustments, reducing the risk of stress cracks and accommodating different material densities.

Implementation Method 1

the fastening element (2) is adapted for anchoring the anchor (1) in the substructure (9)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

a means for holding the insulating material is arranged on a second end region of the fastening element, opposite the first end region, with which the holding means can be moved continuously along the fastening element (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThreading: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP3318685B1Adjustment dowel
Publication Date: 2019.06.05 EJOT BAUBEFESTIGUNGEN GMBH
  • EP3318685B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3318685B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3318685B1 patent drawingFigure 3a

AI summary

A dowel (1) for fastening an insulating material (8) and for adjusting a distance of the insulating material (8) from a substructure (9), the dowel (1) comprising: a fastening element (2), with a first end region (2a) and a second end region (2b), wherein the first end region (2a) is adapted for anchoring the dowel (1) in the substructure (9), wherein a means for holding (3) the insulating material (8) is arranged at the second end region (2b) of the fastening element (2), wherein the means for holding (3) is adapted to be moved steplessly along the second end region (2b) of the fastening element (2), and a corresponding method for fastening an insulating material (8) and for adjusting a distance of the insulating material (8) from a substructure (9).