Adjustable Concrete Anchor Track for Post-Cure Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cast-in-place anchor bolts require precise pre-planning and cannot be adjusted after concrete curing, while post-installed anchors often fail to meet the load requirements of cast-in-place anchor bolts connected to structural elements.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable concrete anchor track system with a threaded anchor bolt and nut/washer assembly, allowing for longitudinal adjustment and secure attachment to concrete, combined with concrete anchor rods that can transfer tension loads effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If cast-in-place anchor bolts are used, then load requirements are met, but placement precision is required before concrete curing
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor system is divided into two functional parts: a cast-in-place track embedded in the concrete that provides structural strength, and a separate adjustable anchor bolt that can be positioned after curing. This segmentation allows the track to bear the load while the bolt provides placement flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The cast-in-place track serves as an intermediary element between the concrete foundation and the adjustable anchor bolt. The track is embedded in the concrete to provide load-bearing capacity, while the bolt attaches to the track to provide adjustable positioning, thus mediating between the conflicting requirements of strength and flexibility.
2Ease of operation
If post-installed anchors are used, then placement flexibility is improved, but load requirements are not met
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the advantages of both cast-in-place and post-installed anchors by combining a cast-in-place track (for strength) with a post-installed adjustable bolt (for flexibility). The bolt attaches to the pre-installed track, merging the structural integrity of cast-in-place anchors with the adjustability of post-installed anchors.
3Strength
If cast-in-place anchor bolts are used, then load capacity is sufficient, but adjustability after curing is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static cast-in-place anchor to a dynamic adjustable assembly. The track remains fixed in the concrete to provide structural stability, while the anchor bolt can be dynamically adjusted along the track to different positions after curing, enabling adaptability without sacrificing load capacity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If post-installed anchors are used, then adjustability is achieved, but reliability for structural connections is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The track is preliminarily installed in the concrete before curing to establish a reliable structural connection. This preliminary action ensures that the load-bearing path is established through the concrete, while subsequent adjustment of the anchor bolt does not compromise the already-formed structural connection.
Data Source
AI summary
An anchor track for use with a holdown anchor and an anchor assembly. The anchor track has an upwardly opening channel, a first end, and a second end. The anchor assembly is slidable within the upwardly opening channel between the first and second ends to a desired position when the anchor track is at least partially embedded in concrete. The anchor assembly extends upwardly from inside the upwardly opening channel to the holdown anchor and is couplable to the holdown anchor when the anchor assembly is positioned adjacent to the holdown anchor.