Cladding Fastener Spike Embedding for Concrete
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fastening methods for concrete cladding require extensive manual installation and are not compatible with all manufacturing methods, particularly horizontal pouring, as they involve protruding steel spikes that can interfere with the molding process.
Innovation Solution
A cladding fastener system comprising an elongated spike, a sleeve, and a spacer, where the spike is embedded in the concrete during pouring, allowing the sleeve to lock the insulation in place, and the spacer provides various grip options for different cladding types, enabling efficient and automated installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If steel spikes are manually fastened to the frame on site, then the cladding can be securely attached, but the installation work becomes extensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The steel spike is pre-installed into the concrete frame during the element manufacturing process at the factory, before the element is transported to the construction site. This preliminary action eliminates the need for manual installation of fasteners on site, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining secure attachment of cladding.
2Ease of operation
If steel spikes protrude outside the insulation layer, then they can be used for connecting grips, but they interfere with the molding process in horizontal pouring methods
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is divided into two separate components: the steel spike embedded in the concrete frame during manufacturing, and the grip attached separately to the protruding end of the spike after the element is assembled. This segmentation allows the spike to be installed during manufacturing without interfering with the molding process, while still providing connection capability for grips later.
Solution Approach 2:
The protruding end of the steel spike acts as an intermediary element that connects the concrete frame (where the spike is embedded) to the grip (which is attached to the spike end). This intermediary allows the grip to be connected without requiring the spike to protrude during the molding process, as the connection is made after assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate fasteners are used for insulation and brick ties, then each component can be optimized, but the overall device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steel spike serves a dual function: it acts as both the fastener for securing insulation to the concrete frame and as the anchor for connecting brick ties or other grips. By merging these two functions into a single component, the system reduces the number of separate fastener sets needed while maintaining the ability to optimize for each specific function through appropriate spike design and grip selection.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
The present invention relates to a novel cladding fastener, comprising an elongated spike (7), a sleeve (8) having a body (17) and a flange (13) extending to the side from the body (17), and wherein the first end (11) of the spike (7) comprises a form lock (14) for attaching to the concrete frame (3) of the concrete element (1). The cladding fastener further comprises a spacer (9) and the second end of the spike (7) is provided with connection means (15) for attaching to the sleeve (8) and connection means (8) for attaching to the spacer (9). The spacer (9) is provided with connection means for attaching to the spike (23) and a fastener for grip (24).