Resilient Spacer Structure for Flat Construction Surface Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spacers fail to simultaneously maintain a relative distance between construction elements while allowing for necessary movements, such as bending or thermal expansion, without compromising the flatness and functionality of the surface they span.
Innovation Solution
A spacer structure that combines resiliency to enhance distance and restrict movement in specific directions, using a combination of resilient elements and restrictors, which can be integrated or separate, to maintain a flat surface despite deformations and displacements, allowing for restricted movement in other directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a spacer maintains a fixed distance between construction elements, then the distance stability is improved, but the ability to accommodate relative movements (bending, thermal expansion) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer incorporates a resilient element that enables dynamic adjustment of the distance between construction elements. The resilient element can deform elastically to accommodate relative movements such as bending and thermal expansion, while still maintaining a controlled distance through its elastic recovery force.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient element changes its physical state (deformation) in response to applied forces, allowing the spacer to adapt its distance-maintaining parameter dynamically. When construction elements move relative to each other, the resilient element deforms to absorb the movement, then returns to its original shape to maintain the designated gap.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a spacer allows for relative movements between construction elements, then the adaptability is improved, but the distance maintenance capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient element provides dynamic distance control by deforming elastically during relative movements and recovering its shape to maintain the gap. This dynamic behavior allows the spacer to accommodate movements while continuously working to maintain the designated distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient element acts as a cushion that absorbs and compensates for relative movements before they can compromise the distance maintenance. By being pre-installed with elastic properties, it is ready to accommodate unexpected movements such as thermal expansion or building sway.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a spacer structure is made complex to combine distance maintenance and movement allowance, then the functionality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient element merges multiple functions into a single component: it maintains distance through its elastic recovery force, accommodates relative movements through deformation, and provides movement restriction in perpendicular directions through its structural configuration. This consolidation simplifies the overall spacer design.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient element serves multiple purposes simultaneously: distance maintenance, movement accommodation, and movement restriction. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing the overall device complexity.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a spacer restricts movement in all directions, then the position stability is improved, but the ability to accommodate necessary deformations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer provides different mechanical properties in different directions: it allows deformation and movement in the direction perpendicular to the resilient element's axis, while restricting movement in directions parallel to the axis. This directional differentiation enables both stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient element dynamically responds to forces applied in different directions, allowing deformation along its axis while maintaining positional stability in perpendicular directions through its elastic properties and structural configuration.
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 effectively maintains a large flat surface by enhancing the distance between construction elements and restricting movement in specific directions, ensuring the surface remains flat and functional despite slight deformations and relative displacements.
Implementation Method 1
provides resiliency and generates a force for enhancing a distance relative to another nearby construction element when the distance to that other construction element is reduced to less than a predetermined distance
Data Source
AI summary
A spacer for fixation to a construction element, for maintaining a relative distance to another construction element, and for restricting at the maintained distance a movement about a position that is relative to another construction element, the spacer having a structure that: a) provides resiliency and generates a force for enhancing a distance relative to another nearby construction element when distance to that other construction element is reduced to a predetermined distance, and b) provides restriction of a movement of the structure in at least one direction that is different from the direction of predetermined distance.