Standoff Fastener Structure for Load-Free Plasterboard Fixing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods struggle to securely fasten attachments to formwork, such as plasterboard, which has low mechanical strength, without mechanically loading the formwork and transferring compressive forces effectively.

Innovation Solution

A standoff fastening method using a specially designed spacer fastener with an expansion anchor and abutments that pivot radially outward to secure the attachment at a distance from the anchor base, transferring loads through a stiffer dowel extension and expansion anchor to the anchor base.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional anchor is used to fasten an attachment to formwork, then the attachment can be secured, but the formwork with low mechanical strength is mechanically loaded and may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening securityVSAvoidformwork strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an anchor extension as an intermediary element between the expansion anchor and the formwork. This extension bridges the gap and distributes the mechanical loads, preventing direct concentration of forces on the weak formwork material while maintaining secure attachment fastening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening system is divided into distinct functional segments: the expansion anchor for wall anchoring, the anchor extension for load distribution and gap bridging, and the attachment mounting portion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without overloading the formwork.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the attachment is fastened directly to the formwork, then installation is simple, but the formwork cannot effectively transfer compressive forces to the anchor base

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidcompressive force transfer
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The anchor extension serves as a force transfer mediator, channeling compressive forces from the attachment through the expansion anchor to the anchor base. This intermediary structure enables effective force transfer while maintaining the simplicity of the installation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the formwork is positioned at a distance from the anchor base, then flexibility in positioning is improved, but the gap creates instability for attachment fastening

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoidfastening stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The anchor extension acts as a stabilizing intermediary that spans the gap between the formwork and anchor base. It provides a stable structural connection that maintains fastening stability while allowing the formwork to be positioned at various distances from the anchor base.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The solution addresses the gap issue by extending the anchor structure in the radial dimension through the anchor extension, rather than trying to reduce the axial distance. This dimensional approach maintains positioning flexibility while ensuring fastening stability across the gap.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 secure fastening of attachments to formwork with low mechanical strength by absorbing compressive forces and transferring them to the anchor base, without damaging the formwork.

Implementation Method 1

the abutment can be pivoted radially outward into an abutment position... When the expansion anchor is in its non-pivoted home position, the abutment can be passed through the hole in the formwork together with the expansion anchor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadial pivoting mechanism:

Implementation Method 2

The expansion anchor absorbs compressive forces, such as those that occur in a pivoting TV mount due to a moment load, from the fixture and transfers them to the anchor base

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForce transfer through rigid structure:

Implementation Method 3

The pin-shaped expansion element expands the expansion anchor and anchors it in the anchor hole

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadial expansion:

Implementation Method 4

the abutment rests against the hole mouth of the anchor hole in such a way that the anchor extension protrudes from the anchor base

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical support through contact:

Data Source

PatentEP4607043A1Method for fixing a distance to an attachment part and distance fastener for use in the method
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 FISCHERWERKE ARTUR FISCHER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4607043A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4607043A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP4607043A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a standoff fastening of an attachment (2) to an outer side (8) of a formwork (5), for example a plasterboard panel, which is arranged at a distance (6) in front of an anchor base (4). For this standoff fastening, the invention proposes a standoff fastener (1) with an expansion anchor (9) and a anchor extension (10). The expansion anchor (9) has abutments (14) which are pivoted radially outward into an abutment position in which they rest against a hole opening (26) of an anchor hole (23) in the anchor base (4). The attachment (2) is tensioned against the anchor extension (10) with a pin-shaped expansion element (12) in such a way that a load is transferred from the attachment (2) via the standoff fastener (1) into the anchor base (4) and not into the formwork (5).