Device for fastening objects

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastening devices for attaching objects to building surfaces, such as solar modules and antennas, face challenges in maintaining a reliable sealing effect over years, adjusting contact pressure, and allowing for simple alignment and leak testing, particularly on uneven or inclined surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A device with a dimensionally stable cover part and adjustable threaded bolts that distribute contact pressure across multiple points, enabling optimal sealing and angle correction, along with a valve for leak testing by creating a pressure difference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single central connection bolt is used to press the cover part against the roof surface, then the device structure is simple, but the contact pressure on edge regions cannot be adjusted and angle correction is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidadjustability and angle correction
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The single central connection bolt is segmented into multiple threaded bolts (at least two, preferably three) distributed across the cover part. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of contact pressure at different locations and enables angle correction by adjusting individual bolts, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The solution transitions from a single-point (central bolt) to a multi-point (distributed bolts) configuration in the spatial dimension. This dimensional change enables independent control of contact pressure at multiple locations and provides degrees of freedom for angle correction, maintaining relative simplicity while dramatically improving adjustability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the cover part is made dimensionally stable, then the sealing function is improved, but the ability to adjust contact pressure uniformly across the surface is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing functionVSAvoidcontact pressure adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The dimensionally stable cover part is combined with adjustable threaded bolts that provide dynamic control capability. The bolts allow the contact pressure to be adjusted independently at different locations while the cover part itself maintains its dimensional stability for reliable sealing, thus resolving the contradiction between sealing reliability and ease of pressure adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If existing fastening devices are used, then installation is straightforward, but the sealing effect cannot be reliably maintained over years and leak testing is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidsealing effect durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A valve is introduced that provides feedback capability for leak testing by allowing pressure differential measurement between the covered space and the environment. This enables verification of sealing effectiveness while maintaining the straightforward installation process, resolving the contradiction between installation simplicity and sealing reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple threaded bolts are used instead of one central bolt, then contact pressure distribution and angle correction are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact pressure distributionVSAvoidnumber of fastening elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a single central bolt, the solution employs a minimal sufficient number of threaded bolts (at least two, preferably three) distributed across the cover part. This partial action approach provides the necessary contact pressure distribution and angle correction capabilities without excessive complexity, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

Ensures a reliable sealing effect over years, allows for easy adjustment and alignment on various surfaces, and facilitates simple leak testing, enhancing durability and installation flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

a valve (7) which leads through a hole (22) in the cover part (2) into the space between the cover part (2) and the supporting part (1)... it is possible to create a pressure difference compared to the surroundings in this room and to measure how quickly this pressure difference decreases

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP2888538B1Device for fastening objects
Publication Date: 2023.12.13 TRAXLER MANFRED
  • EP2888538B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for fastening objects on an exterior surface of a building or an object, the device having a carrying part (1) and a covering part (2). The carrying part (1) has the function of statically supporting the object to be fastened, and the covering part (2) has the function of sealing the object to be fastened with respect to the exterior surface of the building or object and is arranged for that purpose on the exterior side of the exterior surface of the building or object. Connecting parts for the object to be fastened protrude from the carrying part (1) through openings in the covering part (2). The covering part (2) is a dimensionally stable body and the relative position of the covering part (2) with respect to the carrying part (1) can be adjusted in the direction perpendicular to the building or object surface.