Adjustable Anchoring Element for Concrete Formwork

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing anchoring solutions for reinforced concrete construction, such as wave anchors and screw anchors, result in significant material and cost expenditure, durability issues due to corrosion, and require complex storage and handling of multiple anchoring bodies for varying component dimensions.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable anchoring element with mutually adjustable sections connected by a thread and a sealing element to prevent concrete penetration, allowing for easy detachment and reuse, which can be adapted to different component thicknesses without additional measures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple different anchoring bodies are kept available for buildings with variable component dimensions, then the anchoring element can be adapted to different ceiling thicknesses, but this leads to considerable costs, complex warehousing, and sources of error

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different ceiling thicknessesVSAvoidcomplexity of warehousing and selection
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The anchoring element is designed with an adjustable anchoring body that can be configured to fit different ceiling thicknesses using a single universal design. The body comprises multiple sections that can be adjusted relative to each other, allowing one anchoring element type to serve multiple applications across different building components without requiring separate specialized anchoring bodies for each thickness.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The anchoring body is designed with dynamic adjustability, allowing the distance between the coupling section and the support surface to be modified during installation. This dynamic configuration capability enables the same anchoring element to adapt to varying ceiling thicknesses by adjusting the position of sections relative to each other, eliminating the need for static, thickness-specific anchoring bodies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of repair

If screw anchors are used to provide anchoring points that can be unscrewed from hardened concrete, then the anchoring element can be reused, but this entails a great deal of time and effort to remove and clean them

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereusability of anchoring elementVSAvoidtime and effort for removal and cleaning
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling section is designed as a separate, extractable component from the anchoring body. This allows the coupling section to be easily removed and reused without requiring complete disassembly or cleaning of the entire anchoring element. The coupling section can be detached from the body and transferred to different applications, reducing the time and effort required for reuse compared to traditional screw anchors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If traditional wave anchors or headed bolts are used, then anchoring points can be provided in reinforced concrete construction, but these are lost components that remain permanently in the building, leading to material and cost expenditure and impairing durability due to corrosion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedurability of buildingVSAvoidmaterial expenditure and corrosion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The anchoring element is designed to be removable and reusable, allowing the coupling section and body to be recovered after use. Instead of being permanently embedded in concrete like traditional wave anchors or headed bolts, this anchoring element can be extracted and reused in different locations, reducing material waste and minimizing corrosion-related durability issues by eliminating permanent foreign objects in the building structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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 cost-effective, error-free provision of anchoring points across various construction projects with a single type of anchoring element, reducing storage complexity and allowing for easy and reliable installation and removal without the need for extensive cleaning or specialized tools.

Implementation Method 1

at least one sealing element is provided between at least two mutually adjustable sections of the anchoring body. This ensures that, regardless of the set dimension of the anchoring element according to the invention, no concrete penetrates into the anchoring element during concreting

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical barrier:

Implementation Method 2

At least two mutually adjustable sections of the anchoring body are connected by means of a thread. This results in a particularly precise, stable and finely adjustable connection of the mutually adjustable sections.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew threading: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP2225428B1Anchoring element
Publication Date: 2013.02.13 DOKA INDUSTRIE GMBH
  • EP2225428B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2225428B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2225428B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to an anchoring element for anchoring objects to components made by casting a curable mass, such as in particular concrete, having an anchoring body (10) comprising a coupling segment (12) accessible from at least a first end of the anchoring body, an outer surface (14) having at least one first conical segment (14', 14'') tapering toward the first end, and a support surface (16) for supporting on a cast form, preferably disposed on a second end of the anchoring body (10) opposite the first end. The anchoring element according to the invention is characterized in that the anchoring body (10) is designed such that it has adjustable dimensions in the longitudinal direction (X) thereof.