Centering Collar Structure for Precise Façade Fastener Setting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening methods for façade elements in construction are prone to inaccuracies, leading to deviations in the millimeter range, which can result in costly and difficult corrections, especially in narrow joints and when using self-tapping drill screws.
Innovation Solution
A centering device is integrated into the component at the fastening point, featuring a collar and connecting elements that guide the fastener during setting, ensuring precise alignment and preventing the fastener from sliding away, even in elongated holes or when using self-drilling screws.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a self-tapping drill screw is used to fasten façade panels, then the fastening process becomes simpler and more efficient, but the risk of deviation and the difficulty of correction increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The centering device is integrated into the component before the fastening operation, performing the centering function in advance. The collar with central opening is positioned at the fastening point, and the fastener is guided through this opening during insertion, ensuring accurate positioning before the self-drilling and self-tapping actions occur.
2Manufacturing precision
If drilling jigs with conical points are used to guide drill screws, then centering accuracy is improved, but the setting process becomes more complex and requires pre-drilling of the substructure
Solution Approach 1:
The centering function is extracted from the complex drilling jig system and integrated directly into the component being fastened. The collar with central opening serves as the centering element, eliminating the need for separate drilling jigs and pre-drilling operations on the substructure.
3Manufacturing precision
If centering sleeves are placed on drill screws to enable centering, then positioning accuracy is improved, but residue from the sleeve may get caught in the drill hole causing problems
Solution Approach 1:
The centering function and the component structure are merged into a single integrated design. The collar is formed as part of the component itself, with connecting elements that integrate it into the component structure, eliminating the need for separate centering sleeves that could leave residues.
4Manufacturing precision
If fixed point fastening is used to ensure precise positioning of façade panels, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the ability to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system employs different types of fastening points with different degrees of freedom. Some fastening points use centering devices for precise positioning, while others allow for sliding or rotational movement to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction, creating a mixed system with localized functional differences.
Data Source
AI summary
A centering device for guiding a fastener or a drill during a setting operation. The centering device is arranged in or at a passage opening of a component, which forms a fastening point. The component can be a substantially flat metal part, in particular a lug or bracket for a façade element. The centering device is arranged at the plane of the back of the passage opening and includes a collar and connecting elements between the collar and the edge of the passage opening. The collar has a substantially flat to bead-like annular shape and is formed in the component. The central opening of the collar forms a centering seat for a fastener or drill during setting. A fastening arrangement has a component, centering device and matching screw. The screw forms a form fit via its lower head portion in the passage opening after completion of the setting process.