Fiber-Reinforced Facade Console for Thermal Bridge-Free Anchoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing facade attachment methods create thermal bridges and are complex and costly for renovating insulated buildings, as they require removing and replacing insulation layers to attach consoles, and are not adaptable to varying insulation thicknesses.

Innovation Solution

A console with a fiber-reinforced plastic rod featuring a cone or wedge tip and rejuvenated diameter section for anchoring in boreholes, allowing direct attachment through insulation layers, combined with an adjustable headpiece for varying lengths and thermal decoupling, using a mortar cartridge for secure anchoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional metal fasteners are used to attach facade elements to insulated walls, then mechanical fastening is achieved, but thermal bridges are created

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical fastening strengthVSAvoidthermal bridge
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite materials by using a plastic anchor body combined with a metal reinforcement cage and chemical anchoring agent. The plastic material provides thermal insulation to eliminate thermal bridges, while the metal cage and chemical mortar ensure mechanical anchoring strength. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between mechanical strength and thermal insulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The plastic anchor body acts as an intermediary between the metal reinforcement cage and the wall substrate. It provides thermal decoupling to prevent thermal bridges while transmitting mechanical loads through the chemical anchoring system. The plastic material mediates between the need for strong mechanical fastening and the requirement to eliminate thermal conduction paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If insulation layers are removed to attach conventional brackets, then direct wall attachment is achieved, but renovation complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidrenovation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The anchor system is designed to be self-installing through the insulation layer without requiring its removal. The drill-bit-integrated anchor delivers itself through the insulation to the wall substrate, and the expansion mechanism automatically secures it in place. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex manual installation procedures and insulation removal/replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The anchor system segments the attachment function into distinct components: a drill-bit for penetration, a plastic anchor body for thermal decoupling and expansion, a metal reinforcement cage for structural strength, and chemical mortar for bonding. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, simplifying the overall installation process while maintaining attachment reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If fixed-length brackets are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to varying insulation thicknesses is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to insulation thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The anchor system incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through variable-length metal reinforcement cages and adjustable expansion mechanisms. The cages can be supplied in different lengths to match various insulation thicknesses, and the expansion mechanism can adapt to different wall depths. This dynamic adaptability allows a single basic anchor design to serve multiple insulation thickness requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The basic anchor design serves multiple functions: it provides thermal decoupling, mechanical anchoring, and adaptable length configuration. By making the core anchor body universal and only varying the cage length, the system achieves multi-functionality across different insulation thicknesses while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through standardized production of the main anchor component.

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

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

The solution eliminates thermal bridges, enables efficient attachment to insulated facades without removing insulation, and allows for adjustable lengths to accommodate different insulation thicknesses, reducing renovation complexity and costs.

Implementation Method 1

A console with a fiber-reinforced plastic rod featuring a cone or wedge tip and rejuvenated diameter section for anchoring in boreholes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical interlocking:

Implementation Method 2

The inserted rod is made of plastic in which a fiber reinforcement, preferably consisting of continuous fibers, is embedded

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

The inserted rod is made of plastic in which a fiber reinforcement, preferably consisting of continuous fibers, is embedded. Furthermore, the front insert, which serves for anchoring in a wall, has at least one intermediate section with a reduced diameter. The resulting undercut allows the rod to be securely anchored in a borehole in a building wall using mortar.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 4

These objectives are achieved by the subject matter according to claim 1. The bracket according to the invention is characterized in that the inserted rod is made of plastic in which a fiber reinforcement, preferably consisting of continuous fibers, is embedded

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP2853654B1Console and façade substructure with the console
Publication Date: 2022.09.07 GFT FASSADEN AG
  • EP2853654B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2853654B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2853654B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A bracket (11) for attaching facade elements (77) to a building wall (57) comprises a rod (17) with a front insertion end (13) for anchoring in the building wall (57) and a rear end piece (15) arranged on the rod (17) and providing a fastening point for attaching facade elements. The insertion end of the rod (17) has at least one intermediate section (19) with a tapered diameter. The rod is also manufactured as a composite body with fiber reinforcement, preferably formed by a predominantly unidirectional fiber fabric or by roving strands oriented substantially longitudinally.