Insulation Spacer With Milling Device And Conical Taper

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spacers for attaching objects to substrates with insulating layers are inadequate for high loads, as they require reinforcement of components, which is not feasible due to space constraints in the insulation layer, and can cause damage to the plaster layer under radial forces.

Innovation Solution

A spacer with a milling device on its outer circumference that expands the bore for the anchor bolt, allowing for easy assembly and adjustment, and a conical taper to prevent damage to the plaster layer, along with a grub screw for securing against twisting, ensuring stability and minimizing thermal bridges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the spacer sleeve diameter is increased to handle higher loads, then the load-bearing capacity is improved, but the available space in the insulation layer is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload-bearing capacityVSAvoidavailable space in insulation layer
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The milling device performs preliminary expansion of the bore in the insulation layer before the spacer sleeve is installed. This pre-expansion allows the spacer sleeve to achieve its full diameter and load-bearing capacity without requiring additional space during installation, as the space is created in advance by the milling action of the device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The milling device is integrated within the spacer sleeve structure, with the milling teeth formed on the outer circumference of the spacer sleeve itself. This nested configuration allows the milling function to be incorporated without adding separate external components that would increase the overall space requirement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the anchor bolt is allowed to bend under radial forces, then the spacer can accommodate movement, but damage to the plaster layer occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccommodation of movementVSAvoiddamage to plaster layer
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The conical outer contour of the spacer sleeve is designed to provide beforehand cushioning by creating a gradual transition zone in the insulation layer. This conical shape absorbs and distributes radial forces before they can be transmitted to the plaster layer, preventing damage while still allowing the anchor bolt to accommodate movement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Loss of energy

If the spacer components are made of plastic to maintain thermal insulation, then thermal conductivity is reduced, but the strength and stability decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal conductivityVSAvoidstructural strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The spacer system uses composite material construction where the spacer sleeve and counter device are made of plastic for thermal insulation, while the anchor bolt provides the necessary structural strength. This combination allows each component to be made from materials optimized for its specific function, achieving both thermal insulation and structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 handles higher loads without damaging the plaster layer and simplifies the assembly process, while maintaining thermal insulation by using plastic components for the sleeve and counter devices, ensuring secure fastening and reduced thermal conductivity.

Implementation Method 1

The spacer (7) has a spacer sleeve (9) with a milling device (14) on its outer circumference. By rotating the spacer sleeve (9), the originally cylindrical bore for the anchor bolt (8) can be greatly expanded in the area where the spacer sleeve (9) will later be arranged

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical milling: Abrasion

Implementation Method 2

The spacer sleeve (9) preferably has an outer contour that tapers conically in the direction of the anchor bolt (8). This promotes the widening of the cylindrical bore in the insulation layer, which is aligned with the anchor bolt (8), through the spacer sleeve (9)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical deformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 3

In order to reduce the formation of a thermal bridge between the object to be fastened and the substrate as far as possible, the invention proposes designing the spacer sleeve (9) and the counter device, if present, as plastic parts

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP1724412B1Spacer and method for fixing an article to a support with an exterior insulating layer
Publication Date: 2011.11.02 FISCHERWERKE ARTUR FISCHER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP1724412B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The spacer bush (9) includes a cutter (14) on its external circumference. The bush and anchor bolt (8) are secured against relative rotation in various axial positions. The spacer includes a grub screw (10) acting axially against the anchor bolt. The spacer has an external conical taper extending to the anchor bolt. It also includes a recess (16) for a tool and a tapped bore (19) for a fastening screw (13). There is a reduction in spacer diameter at the end remote from the anchor bolt. An independent claim is included for the corresponding method of fastening.