Screw Dowel Fastener With Sealing Ring for Torque-Resistant Fixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for fastening components to substrates, such as thermal insulation, are cumbersome and prone to water infiltration due to the capillary effect, and one-piece plastic screws are limited in size compatibility and torque resistance, with potential damage from excessive torque and UV degradation.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a screw dowel with a self-tapping screw anchor that can be used with commercially available metal screws, featuring a tapering shank with an external thread for secure attachment, allowing for easy and cost-effective fastening of components to various substrates without damage from torque or UV exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If plastic dowels with collar parts are used for fastening, then the fastening can be achieved, but numerous work steps are required and water can penetrate into the connection points due to capillary effect
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is divided into separate functional components: a screw anchor for substrate attachment and a screw for component fastening. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the screw anchor provides reliable substrate anchoring while the screw with integrated sealing element ensures water-tight connection without requiring multiple separate operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is merged into the screw component itself through an integrated sealing ring, rather than requiring separate sealing elements or operations. This combining of fastening and sealing functions into a single component eliminates the capillary effect problem at connection points while reducing the number of work steps required.
2Device complexity
If one-piece plastic screws are used, then the number of work steps is reduced, but the head part can be sheared off or twisted off if too much torque is exerted
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system separates the torque-critical functions into distinct components: the screw anchor engages with the substrate to absorb installation torque, while the screw engages with the component. This segmentation prevents torque from being applied to the screw head, eliminating the risk of shearing or twisting off even when high torque is required for substrate anchoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The screw anchor acts as an intermediary that absorbs the torque required for substrate anchoring. By engaging the screw anchor first and using it as the torque-bearing component during installation, the system protects the screw head from excessive torque that would otherwise cause shearing or twisting.
3Device complexity
If one-piece plastic screws are used, then the attachment process is simplified, but the head parts are less UV-resistant than metal screws
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a composite approach combining plastic and metal components: the screw anchor is made of plastic for simplified attachment and corrosion resistance, while the screw is made of metal for superior UV resistance. This material combination allows each component to be made from the material best suited for its specific function and environmental exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different materials are assigned to different components based on their specific requirements: the screw anchor (exposed to substrate and minimal UV) uses plastic for ease of attachment, while the screw (exposed to UV and weathering) uses metal for UV resistance. This local optimization of material properties ensures both simplified attachment and UV durability where needed.
4Adaptability or versatility
If screw anchors with receiving areas are used, then compatibility with different screw sizes is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The screw anchor's receiving area is designed with universal dimensions that can accommodate multiple screw sizes and types. This universal design allows a single anchor model to work with various screws, providing adaptability without requiring multiple specialized anchor variants, thus balancing versatility with structural simplicity.
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 simple, time-saving, and cost-effective attachment of components to substrates with enhanced torque resistance and UV stability, accommodating different screw sizes and materials, while preventing water infiltration through the use of a sealing ring and eliminating the risk of damage from excessive torque.
Implementation Method 1
The screw anchor is self-tapping in the substructure by turning the screw in the receiving area and transferring the torque from the screw to the screw anchor
Implementation Method 2
The screw anchor is self-tapping in the substructure by turning the screw in the receiving area and transferring the torque from the screw to the screw anchor
Implementation Method 3
as a result of a capillary effect or the like, it can happen that water penetrates into the connection points at the points at which the cap strip rests on the collar parts of the plastic dowels
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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AI summary
The invention relates to a fastening device for fastening a component to a base with a shank part that can be passed through a fastening hole in the component, on one side of which a tip area tapering starting from the shank part and on the tip area and the shank part an external thread for screwing into the base is arranged. The fastening device is in the form of a screw-in dowel which, on the other side of its shank part facing away from the tip region, has a receiving region which can also be passed through the fastening hole and in which a shank of a screw can be at least partially screwed.