Thermally Decoupled Spacer for Insulating Substrates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spacers for attaching objects to substrates with insulating layers are complex to install and do not effectively transmit force from the object to the anchorage, and they often compromise thermal insulation by creating thermal bridges or requiring multiple steps and materials.
Innovation Solution
A simplified spacer design featuring a thermally insulating bridging element with internal and external threads that can be directly connected to a rod element and a fastening element, allowing for improved force transmission and thermal decoupling, along with a terminating adapter for standardizing length across varying insulation thicknesses, and optional metal sleeves for enhanced strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional spacer with multiple components (support element, bridging element, mounting element) is used, then the object can be fastened to the insulating layer, but the installation process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the support element, bridging element, and mounting element into a single integrated spacer component. This unified design eliminates the need for multiple separate parts and complex assembly steps, while maintaining the structural functions of support, thermal bridging prevention, and object fastening.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated spacer performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for the insulating layer, prevents thermal bridging through its geometry, and enables object fastening through its mounting features. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system complexity while achieving the same reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used in the spacer assembly, then each component can be optimized for its specific function, but the number of installation steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the support element, bridging element, and mounting element into one component, the patent reduces the number of installation steps from five separate operations to a single placement action, significantly improving installation speed and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer is pre-designed and manufactured as an integrated component with all necessary features (support surfaces, bridging geometry, mounting holes) already in place. This preliminary integration eliminates the need for on-site assembly operations, allowing for rapid installation.
3Strength
If metal components are used in the spacer for strength, then the fastening capability is improved, but thermal bridges are created that compromise insulation
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer uses different materials or geometries in different locations: metal or rigid material in the mounting element where strength is needed for fastening, and thermally insulating material or broken geometry in the bridging element where thermal isolation is critical. This local differentiation allows simultaneous achievement of strength and thermal protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridging element acts as an intermediary between the support element and mounting element, designed to interrupt thermal conduction paths while maintaining mechanical connectivity. This mediator component prevents direct thermal bridges between metal parts that would compromise insulation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the spacer is designed to accommodate different insulation layer thicknesses, then versatility is improved, but the design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer incorporates adjustable or flexible elements that allow it to adapt to different insulation layer thicknesses. The mounting element can be positioned at varying distances from the support element, and the bridging element geometry can accommodate different spacing requirements, providing versatility without requiring multiple specialized designs.
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 simplifies installation, enhances force transmission, maintains thermal insulation integrity by avoiding thermal bridges, and accommodates different insulation thicknesses without additional complexity, while supporting heavy loads with increased bending tensile values.
Implementation Method 1
The heat conduction between the rod element that can be anchored in the ground on the one hand and the fastening means on the other hand is interrupted by only one component, namely the bridging element... the bridging element is preferably made of thermally insulating material
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a spacer for fastening an object to a substrate having an insulating layer, comprising a rod element that can be anchored in the substrate, a fastening means for releasably fastening the object to the spacer, and a cylindrical bridging element that thermally separates the rod element and the fastening means from each other, to which the rod element and the fastening element are releasably anchored.In order to create a universally applicable spacer that can be used in a standard length in insulation layers of varying thicknesses without impairing thermal insulation, it is proposed that: - an end adapter can be attached to the fastening element at a different distance from its base surface, which is designed to close a cavity in the insulation layer that accommodates the spacer; - the bridging element has at least one continuous groove open towards the outer surface for inserting an insulating material; and - the end adapter has at least one opening for supplying the insulating material.