Distance element for spacing an object off a support, fastening arrangement and continuous flow heater
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection technologies and fastening materials do not allow for easy and reliable spacing of objects from a support, particularly on uneven surfaces, leading to time-consuming and costly installation processes, especially for instantaneous water heaters, and require multiple spacers for varying distances.
Innovation Solution
A spacer element with an expandable locking mechanism and movable spring elements that adjust to uneven surfaces, allowing for quick and secure attachment by expanding radially when a fastening element is inserted, ensuring precise positioning and vibration absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If standard spacers and fastening materials are used, then objects can be attached to supports, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and costly due to manual selection and adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer element is pre-configured with multiple locking elements at different positions along its longitudinal axis, allowing it to automatically adapt to various surface irregularities without requiring manual selection or adjustment during installation. The locking elements can be selectively engaged based on the surface conditions, enabling quick and reliable attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer element incorporates movable locking elements that can change their position along the longitudinal axis depending on the surface irregularities encountered. This dynamic adaptation allows the spacer to optimize its configuration for different mounting conditions, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-length spacers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple spacers of varying lengths are used to accommodate uneven surfaces, then proper spacing can be achieved, but device complexity and warehousing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single spacer element design incorporates multiple locking elements that can be selectively engaged at different positions, allowing one spacer type to serve multiple functions across various surface conditions. This eliminates the need to maintain multiple different spacer lengths in inventory.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements are arranged along the longitudinal axis of the spacer element, with inner locking elements capable of engaging at positions closer to the center and outer locking elements engaging at positions farther from the center. This nested arrangement allows selective engagement based on surface irregularity depth.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustment of gap between heater and wall is performed, then level mounting can be achieved, but installation time and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer element automatically adjusts to the correct positioning by allowing its locking elements to engage at appropriate positions along the longitudinal axis based on the surface irregularities. This self-adjusting mechanism eliminates the need for manual measurement and adjustment by the installer.
Solution Approach 2:
The effective length of the spacer element changes depending on which locking elements are engaged. By varying the engagement position of locking elements along the longitudinal axis, the spacer automatically adapts its spacing parameter to match the surface conditions, ensuring proper level mounting.
4Ease of operation
If direct attachment to uneven walls is performed without spacers, then installation is simplified, but mounting reliability and heater performance are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer element is divided into multiple functional sections along its longitudinal axis, with multiple locking elements that can independently engage at different positions. This segmentation allows the spacer to adapt to surface irregularities while maintaining secure attachment and proper orientation of the heater.
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
Enables quick, reliable, and cost-effective installation of objects on uneven surfaces by automatically adjusting to surface irregularities, reducing damage risk and noise, and facilitating easy handling and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The spacer element (10) is characterized in that it further comprises at least one movable spring element (24) generating a spring force
Implementation Method 2
the at least one locking element (23) can be expanded by inserting a fastening element (20) into the passage section (19), in that the at least one locking element (23) moves radially away from the passage section (19) with respect to its longitudinal axis (L) when expanding
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a spacer element (10) for separating an object (12) from a support (16), extending along a longitudinal axis (L) between a front end (17) and a rear end (18), comprising at least one passage section (19) for guiding a fastening element (20), wherein the passage section (19) is at least partially bounded along the longitudinal axis (L) by at least one expandable locking element (23) which further encompasses the spacer element (10), and which can be expanded by inserting a fastening element (20) into the passage section (19), in that the at least one locking element (23) moves radially away from the passage section (19) with respect to the longitudinal axis (L) when expanding, and the spacer element (10) can be arranged in a recess (22) of an object (12) in a manner that prevents movement by means of the at least one locking element (23).and wherein the spacer element (10) further comprises at least one movable spring element (24) generating a spring force, which is designed and configured to be deflectable along the longitudinal axis (L) while generating a spring force and is automatically retractable against the spring force. The invention further relates to a fastening arrangement (13) and a flow heater (11).