Wall Bracket With Plastic Inserts For Thermal Break

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing support devices for wall panel cladding face challenges with corrosion between metal components and inadequate thermal insulation, which limits material combinations and introduces thermal bridges.

Innovation Solution

The use of non-metallic, elastic inserts made of plastic within the U-shaped wall bracket's recesses prevents corrosion and creates a thermal break, allowing for various material combinations and easy installation and adjustment of the sword, including pivoting for angular adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If metallic materials are used for wall bracket and sword, then structural strength is ensured, but thermal bridging and corrosion occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidthermal bridging and corrosion
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A non-metallic insert is introduced as an intermediary component between the metallic wall bracket and the metallic sword. This insert serves as a mediator that prevents direct metal-to-metal contact, thereby eliminating corrosion risks and breaking thermal bridges while still allowing the structural components to perform their load-bearing function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The support device transitions from a homogeneous metallic structure to a composite structure combining metallic components (bracket and sword) with a non-metallic insert. This composite design allows each material to fulfill its optimal function: metal provides structural strength while the non-metallic insert provides corrosion resistance and thermal insulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If non-metallic inserts are used in recesses, then thermal insulation and corrosion prevention are achieved, but assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulation and corrosion preventionVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insert is designed to integrate multiple functions into a single component: it provides thermal insulation, prevents corrosion, and serves as a mounting element for the sword. By merging these functions into one piece, the design avoids the need for separate insulating layers and fastening mechanisms, thereby simplifying the overall assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The non-metallic insert is designed as a multi-functional element that simultaneously provides thermal insulation, corrosion protection, and mechanical mounting capability. This universal component replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate elements, reducing assembly complexity despite the introduction of a new material type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If sword is firmly fixed in wall bracket, then structural stability is ensured, but replacement and adjustment become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidreplacement and adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is segmented into distinct components: the wall bracket, the non-metallic insert, and the sword. The insert acts as a removable intermediary that secures the sword during normal use but can be easily detached. This segmentation allows the sword to be firmly fixed during operation while enabling simple replacement or adjustment by removing the insert without damaging the wall bracket.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Strength

If rigid connection between wall bracket and sword is used, then load bearing capacity is maximized, but vibration damping and thermal expansion accommodation are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload bearing capacityVSAvoidvibration damping and thermal expansion accommodation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between wall bracket and sword changes its mechanical parameters based on the operating conditions. During normal load-bearing, the insert provides rigid support. However, the insert's material properties allow it to exhibit elastic deformation under vibration or thermal stress, thereby damping vibrations and accommodating thermal expansion while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This solution effectively prevents corrosion, enhances thermal insulation, facilitates easy installation and replacement of components, and allows for adjustable positioning of longitudinal rails relative to wall panels, reducing thermal bridging and installation complexities.

Implementation Method 1

The non-metallic inserts also create a thermal break between the wall mount and the sword. It can thus be avoided that the supporting device forms a thermal bridge between a wall and the longitudinal rails.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

the inserts are made of elastic material, in particular plastic, so that the sword is mounted in the wall bracket in an elastic and thus vibration-damping manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP1712701B1Support for wall cladding
Publication Date: 2008.07.30 REINWARTH KLAUS
  • EP1712701B1 patent drawingFigure 1~8
  • EP1712701B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6
  • EP1712701B1 patent drawingFigure 9

AI summary

Support device for wall plate panels has a U-shaped wall bracket (1) that has its base plate attached to the wall. Each leg (3, 4) of the bracket has a recess in which a peg (12, 13) of a mounting blade (9). The recesses (5, 6) have non-metallic, e.g. plastic, inserts (7, 8) in which the pegs grip.