Modular Spacer Element With Elastic Webs For Adjustable Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spacer elements do not effectively facilitate flexible installation, water drainage, and air circulation, particularly in applications requiring adjustable spacing and compatibility with various substructures.
Innovation Solution
A modular spacer element composed of blocks with a common end face plane, connected by webs that allow for elasticity and adjustable width, enabling flexible installation and improved water permeability through a design that includes connection points and transverse webs for deformation and attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid strips of fixed size are used in a grid pattern, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to different substructures and flexible installation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer element is divided into multiple individual blocks connected by webs, forming a modular structure. This segmentation allows the spacer to maintain structural stability through the rigid blocks while enabling flexibility and adaptability through the elastic webs that can deform to accommodate different substructure configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer element incorporates elastic webs that allow dynamic deformation. The webs can stretch and bend to adapt the spacer element to various substructure widths and configurations, transforming a static rigid structure into a dynamic adaptive one that maintains stability while accommodating different installation scenarios.
2Stability of the object's composition
If solid continuous material is used for the spacer, then structural stability is improved, but water drainage and air circulation are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer element employs a porous-like structure with gaps between individual blocks and openings within the web connections. This allows water to drain through and air to circulate while the overall structure maintains structural stability through the rigid blocks and connecting webs.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the continuous material into discrete blocks with spacing between them, the structure maintains stability through the blocks while creating channels for water drainage and air circulation through the gaps and web openings.
3Manufacturing precision
If the spacer element is made as a single rigid piece, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation and flexible installation are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer element is manufactured as an integrated piece with segmented blocks and webs, achieving manufacturing precision through single-piece production while the segmented design provides flexibility for installation. The elastic webs allow the structure to be bent and adapted to different configurations without requiring assembly of separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer element utilizes material parameter changes, specifically the elastic properties of the webs, to enable flexible installation. The webs can deform elastically to accommodate different installation scenarios while the overall structure remains a precisely manufactured single piece.
4Loss of substance
If the web connecting blocks is made narrow to save material, then material efficiency is improved, but structural stability in lateral direction is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The web's elastic properties are optimized to provide sufficient lateral stability despite its narrow cross-section. The material parameters of the web are selected to ensure it can resist lateral forces while minimizing material usage, achieving a balance between material efficiency and structural stability.
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 element provides flexible installation, enhanced water drainage, and air circulation by allowing adjustable spacing and compatibility with different substructures, while maintaining structural stability and material efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Due to the elasticity of the webs, the two support or end faces can also be arranged in one area
Implementation Method 2
the water can flow past the bridge
Implementation Method 3
enhanced water drainage, and air circulation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A spacer element is modularly constructed from a multitude of individual sections (1) arranged one behind the other and connected to each other at joint points. Each section contains a multitude of equally sized spacer blocks (4) that have two end faces, the distance between which forms the distance to be maintained by the spacer element. The spacer blocks are connected to each other by a narrow web (5).