Insulating Layer Screw Anchor for Facade Substructure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing facade substructure systems for attaching cladding elements to building walls are complex to assemble and require visible fastening components, which are not aesthetically pleasing and may compromise the integrity of the insulating layer.

Innovation Solution

A surface cladding substructure unit comprising an insulating layer screw anchor with a support bolt, washer, helical structure, and stiffening section, which allows for secure fastening of cladding elements to both the insulating layer and the substructure, enabling easy assembly and versatile use without visible fastening, using an insulating layer screw anchor that can be manually assembled and adjusted for precise positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multi-part facade substructures with vertical and horizontal profile supports are used, then the facade elements can be reliably supported, but the assembly process becomes multi-stage and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport reliabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple support functions into a single integrated anchor element that simultaneously provides vertical support, horizontal positioning, and secure fastening capabilities, eliminating the need for separate vertical and horizontal profile supports

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The anchor element serves multiple functions: it anchors to the insulating layer, provides a mounting surface for facade elements, enables adjustable positioning, and ensures secure fastening, replacing the need for multiple specialized components

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

2Reliability

If conventional fastening screws are used to attach components to masonry, then the attachment is secure, but the fastening screw is visible from the outside which is aesthetically displeasing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the fastening function from visible surface-mounted screws and relocates it to hidden anchor elements embedded within the insulating layer, eliminating visible fastening components while maintaining secure attachment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The insulating layer serves as an intermediary medium that houses the anchor elements, allowing secure fastening to occur hidden within the insulation rather than requiring visible external fasteners

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If conventional facade substructures are used, then facade elements can be attached, but the assembly process requires multiple stages and is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening reliabilityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the fastening system into a pre-fabricated modular anchor element that can be independently manufactured and then quickly installed as a single unit, eliminating the need for multi-stage assembly of separate profile components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The anchor elements are pre-assembled with integrated fastening components and positioning features before installation, allowing for rapid deployment during the facade assembly process without requiring multiple construction stages

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 simplifies the assembly process, provides stable anchoring, and allows for adjustable ventilation zones, enhancing the structural integrity and thermal separation while avoiding material destruction and thermal bridging, thus ensuring reliable and cost-effective attachment of facade elements.

Implementation Method 1

The helical structure preferably has a coarse structure with great depth in order to ensure a good hold in an insulating material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical interlocking: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

the penetrations are suitable for providing an adhesive connection with a facade element, in that an adhesive compound on the upper side partially penetrates through the penetrations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3327216B1Fixation of facade elements on a building wall
Publication Date: 2019.08.21 RIEKE LOTHAR
  • EP3327216B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3327216B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3327216B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a surface cladding substructure unit comprising an insulation layer screw anchor (1) and a substructure anchor (2), wherein the insulation layer screw anchor (1) comprises a support bolt (3), a bearing washer (4), a helical structure (5) and a stiffening section (6), wherein the support bolt (3) has a first and a second end (7;8) and wherein the support bolt (3) has an axial hollow channel (9), wherein the bearing disk (4) is connected to the second end (8) of the support bolt (3), wherein a plane of the bearing disk (4) is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the support bolt (3), wherein the bearing disk (4) has a plurality of penetrations (10) and wherein a covering element (12) can be attached to a top surface (11) of the bearing disk (4), wherein the helical structure (5) surrounds the support bolt (3) at least partially and wherein the helical structure (5) and the support bolt (3) are in a fixed positional relationship to each other, wherein the stiffening section (6) is connected to both the support bolt (3) and a bottom surface (13) of the bearing disk (4), wherein the substructure anchor (2) has a first and second end (14;15) wherein the substructure anchor (2) has an engagement section (16) at its first end (14), wherein the substructure anchor (2) can be inserted into the axial hollow channel (9), wherein the substructure anchor (2) projects beyond the first end (7) of the support bolt (3) in an assembly end position, and wherein the substructure anchor (2) has a head section (17) with radial overhang (18) at its second end (15).