Thermally Insulating Spacer Device for Wall Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fastening devices for attaching objects to walls with insulation layers create thermal bridges, degrade the insulation, and lead to instability and misalignment due to the use of metallic screws and spacers, which compromise energy efficiency and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A spacer device made of thermally insulating material with axial and transverse channels, designed to house a fixing member, filled with insulating material to prevent thermal bridges and ensure proper alignment, and a fixing member made of composite materials to avoid thermal conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metallic screws are used to fasten objects to walls with insulation layers, then the fastening strength is sufficient, but thermal bridges are formed between the exterior and the wall, degrading energy performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite fastening devices combining metallic components for structural strength with thermally insulating materials (such as plastic or rubber coatings, or composite structures with low thermal conductivity) to reduce thermal bridge formation. This composite approach allows the fastener to maintain mechanical fastening strength while minimizing heat transfer between the exterior and interior of the building.
2Strength
If metallic spacers are used for centering and support, then the structural support is adequate, but thermal bridges are created through the spacer material and central opening
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer device is constructed using composite materials, primarily thermally insulating materials such as plastic, polymer, or composite structures with low thermal conductivity. These materials provide both the necessary structural support for centering and positioning the fastening device, and simultaneously minimize thermal bridge formation through the spacer and its central opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer may incorporate flexible or semi-flexible insulating materials that can adapt to the opening in the insulation layer while maintaining thermal insulation performance. This flexibility allows proper positioning and centering without creating rigid thermal bridges.
3Manufacturing precision
If thin-walled metallic tubes are used as spacers, then the centering function is achieved, but the tube walls deform under the weight of heavy objects
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer device uses composite construction with an outer shell or structural framework providing mechanical strength to support heavy objects, combined with insulating material filling or core structures that maintain centering accuracy. This composite structure prevents wall deformation while preserving precise positioning capabilities.
4Reliability
If screws are driven through the insulation layer, then the object is securely fastened, but the insulation layer undergoes degradation including depression and crushing
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is segmented into distinct functional components: the insulation layer remains intact and undisturbed, while the fastening action occurs in a separate drilling operation through the spacer device into the wall structure behind. This segmentation prevents mechanical degradation of the insulation layer while maintaining secure fastening reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer device acts as an intermediary element positioned in an opening within the insulation layer (not through a drilled hole), providing a platform for the fastening mechanism while preserving the insulation layer's integrity. The intermediary spacer transfers the fastening load to the wall structure without compromising the insulation material.
5Ease of operation
If the spacer device uses a tube structure with central opening, then the screw can pass through, but the spacing between the tube and insulation layer creates additional thermal bridges
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer device employs a cup-shaped or flared structure with a wide opening that sits flush against the exterior surface of the insulation layer, eliminating spacing gaps. This design allows screw passage while maintaining thermal insulation by ensuring intimate contact between the spacer and insulation layer, preventing convective and conductive thermal bridges.
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 effectively prevents thermal bridges, enhances energy performance by maintaining insulation integrity, and ensures stable and accurate attachment of heavy objects without degrading the insulation layer or affecting the object's position.
Implementation Method 1
The spacer device is made of a thermally insulating material and comprises internally at least one pipe opening, on the one hand, at the level of the rear face of the spacer device and, on the other hand, at the level of at least one lateral side of this spacer device, this pipe being intended to receive a thermal insulating filling material
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a spacing device (6) for a device for attaching (4) an object (3) to a wall (1) covered with an insulating layer (2). Said spacing device (6) is characterised in that the device is made of a thermally insulating material and comprises a front surface (60) intended for being oriented facing the wall (1), a rear surface (61) intended for being oriented facing the object (3) to be attached, at least one lateral side (62) intended for being oriented facing the insulating layer (2), at least one axial opening (63) extending from the front surface (60) and at least towards the rear surface (61) and intended for receiving on the inside an attachment member (5) that comprises the attachment device (4). On the inside, the spacing device further comprises at least one channel (64) opening onto the rear surface (61) and at least onto one lateral side (62), said channel (64) being intended for receiving a thermally insulating filling material (9). The invention also relates to an attachment device (4) comprising such a spacing device (6).