Facade Fastening Spacer With Thermal Break and Guide Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for fixing exterior cladding to a building's external construction element often result in insulation breakdown, creating thermal bridges and assembly difficulties due to drilling through insulation and the need for holding parts in position during hardening of fixing materials.
Innovation Solution
A spacer for a fixing kit that includes a tubular main body with a guide channel and transverse flanges, allowing for the insertion of a securing rod while maintaining thermal insulation, facilitating the connection between the exterior facing and the external construction element, and aiding in the drilling and positioning of the external construction element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a threaded rod is inserted through drilling to fix the external facing to the building, then the mechanical connection strength is improved, but the thermal insulation is worsened due to creation of thermal bridges
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer divides the fixing system into distinct functional zones: the guide channel provides mechanical guidance and anchoring, while the external cavities filled with insulating material provide thermal insulation. This segmentation allows the rod to be anchored mechanically without creating a continuous thermal bridge through the insulation layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer acts as an intermediary element between the rod and the external facing. It provides a guided insertion path through the guide channel while the external cavities filled with insulating material mediate the thermal transmission, allowing mechanical fixation while maintaining thermal insulation.
2Strength
If hardening material is used to fix the rod to the wall, then the mechanical anchoring is improved, but the assembly process is worsened due to need to hold parts in position during hardening time
Solution Approach 1:
The guide channel is pre-formed in the spacer, providing a ready-made insertion path for the rod. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for manual positioning and holding during assembly, as the rod simply follows the pre-defined channel into its final position.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide channel structure enables self-alignment and self-positioning of the rod during insertion. The system serves itself by providing inherent guidance mechanisms that eliminate the need for external holding or positioning assistance during the assembly process.
3Strength
If drilling is performed through the insulation element to insert the rod, then the mechanical fixation is improved, but the thermal insulation is worsened due to break in insulation
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer segments the drilling path into two distinct parts: the guide channel portion that provides mechanical guidance and the external cavities portion that maintains thermal insulation. The rod passes through the guide channel which is thermally isolated from the main insulation layer, preventing continuous thermal bridge formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer provides localized mechanical fixation capability through the guide channel while maintaining global thermal insulation through the external cavities filled with insulating material. The local drilling action is confined to the guide channel region, preventing widespread insulation damage.
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 spacer enhances thermal insulation by creating a thermal break and improves assembly efficiency by allowing for easier drilling and positioning of the external construction element, reducing the risk of thermal bridges and assembly challenges.
Implementation Method 1
the thermal break by conduction and convection by means of both the main body but also the external cavities and the at least one transverse collar
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a spacer (100) for passing through the thickness of an insulation element (7) and comprising: - a tubular main body (101) extending along an axial direction, - a guide channel (107) extending internally through the main body (101) and allowing the insertion of a securing rod (9), - at least one transverse flange (109) extending outside the main body (101) transversely to the axial direction, with at least two external cavities (111) being defined, in combination with the main body (101), on either side of said at least one transverse flange (109). The invention also relates to a fastening kit (1) comprising such a spacer (100).