Insulation Fastener with Cutting Sleeve and Screw
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of insulation using pin spacers is a multi-step process requiring multiple installers and is inefficient, especially when dealing with large continuous surfaces, as pin spacers are not durable enough to withstand being stepped on, making it difficult to move on them during installation.
Innovation Solution
A fastening system comprising an outer and inner cylindrical sleeve portion with a space between them, featuring a cutting edge and a plate-like collar, allowing for easy installation with a screw and installation tool that rotates simultaneously, boring into the insulation and frame, and optionally using a bushing for thick insulation without long screws.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If pin spacers are used for fastening insulation, then the insulation can be fastened to the frame structure, but the installation process becomes complex and requires multiple installers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fastening function and the spacer function into a single integrated fastener component. The fastener includes a fastening element (screw) and a spacer element (cylindrical body with flange) as one unified piece, eliminating the need for separate pin spacers and reducing installation steps. This merging allows a single installer to perform both fastening and spacing operations simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides mechanical fastening through the screw, maintains insulation thickness through the cylindrical body, prevents insulation compression through the flange, and enables rotation during installation. This multi-functionality replaces what previously required multiple separate components and installation steps, simplifying the overall installation process.
2Area of stationary object
If pin spacers are installed in large continuous surfaces, then insulation can be fastened across the surface, but the pin spacers cannot endure being stepped on
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener employs a cylindrical (curved) body instead of a flat pin spacer design. This cylindrical shape distributes mechanical loads more effectively and provides inherent structural strength to withstand vertical forces from foot traffic. The curved geometry also allows the fastener to better absorb and redirect stresses applied during installation and subsequent maintenance activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener is pre-installed in the insulation before the insulation is covered by cladding or other facade elements. This preliminary installation ensures the fastener is protected from direct foot traffic while still providing the necessary spacing and fastening functions. The flange design also prevents the insulation from being accidentally removed or displaced during subsequent construction activities.
3Manufacturing precision
If the fastener length corresponds to insulation thickness, then the fastener contacts both surfaces of the insulation, but the installation requires precise positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener design allows the installer to drive the fastener directly through the insulation without pre-drilling or precise positioning. The screw thread engages the insulation material and pulls the fastener through, with the flange preventing over-penetration. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for precise pre-positioning while still achieving consistent results, as the fastener automatically positions itself during the driving process.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener utilizes the mechanical properties of the insulation material (density, compressibility, thread engagement characteristics) to achieve self-positioning during installation. By designing the screw thread geometry and flange dimensions to match typical insulation parameters, the fastener automatically adjusts its position as it is driven through, compensating for variations in insulation thickness and density without requiring precise pre-positioning.
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 and efficient insulation installation by a single installer, using shorter screws and preventing insulation removal from the substrate, while being robust enough to withstand foot traffic.
Implementation Method 1
The edge of the inner end of the outer sleeve portion is preferably formed to be cutting so that the fastener can bore into the insulation material as it is rotated
Implementation Method 2
as the screw is rotated into the frame, it pulls the inner end of the fastener to contact the frame
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2D
AI summary
The present invention relates to a fastener, a method of fastening insulation (2) to the frame (3) by means of the fastener (1) and a fastening system. In the method, a screw (9) and an installation tool (8) are in-stalled in a hole (6) at the center of the fastener (1), the external shape of the installation tool being arranged to correspond, at least along a part of the height of the installation tool (8), to the shape of the inner space (6) along at least a part of the height of the inner space (6). The screw (9) is rotated by means of the installation tool (8), whereby the fastener (1) and the screw (9) rotate simultaneously, boring into the insulation (2), and as the screw (9) rotates, it pulls the lower part of the fastener (1) to contact the frame (3).