Adjustable Wall Anchor with Ratchet Collar for Cavity Walls
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Anchoring systems for cavity walls face challenges in transferring tension and compression loads due to slight angular and height misalignments between veneer ties and backup walls, with existing systems being non-adjustable and prone to unintentional movement.
Innovation Solution
A wall anchor with a rotatable collar and ratchet teeth mechanism that allows for adjustable positioning of veneer ties, ensuring secure connection between inner and outer wythes while preventing unintended rotation, and incorporating dual seal systems to minimize air and moisture penetration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a freely adjustable anchoring system is used, then angular and height misalignments can be corrected, but unintentional movement of the anchor prior to connection occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is designed to be rotatable in one direction (first direction) relative to the elongated body, allowing adjustment of the veneer tie angle to accommodate misalignments. The rotation control structure enables dynamic positioning while preventing reverse rotation that could cause unintentional movement.
Solution Approach 2:
A ratchet mechanism is integrated into the rotation control structure, replacing a fully free-rotating collar with a controlled rotation system. The ratchet teeth and pawl combination allows unidirectional rotation for adjustment while locking position to prevent unintentional movement.
2Manufacturing precision
If the collar is made rotatable for adjustment, then positioning accuracy improves, but the risk of unintentional movement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation control structure uses a ratchet mechanism with ratchet teeth on the elongated body and a pawl on the collar. This mechanical system allows precise unidirectional rotation for positioning adjustment while the pawl engages with the ratchet teeth to lock the collar in place, preventing unintentional movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamically adjustable position through controlled rotation in the first direction. The rotation control structure enables the collar to adapt to misalignments while maintaining stability through the ratchet-pawl locking mechanism.
3Reliability
If a rotation control structure with ratchet teeth is added, then unintentional movement is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation control structure employs a simple ratchet mechanism consisting of ratchet teeth formed on the elongated body and a pawl formed on the collar. This straightforward mechanical design provides reliable prevention of unintentional movement without requiring complex control systems, sensors, or actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation control function is segmented into two simple components: the ratchet teeth on the elongated body and the pawl on the collar. This segmentation allows the complex function of controlled rotation to be achieved through the interaction of two simple elements, minimizing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A wall anchor for use in an insulated cavity wall has an elongated body extending from a driven end to a driving end. The driven end is adapted to be mounted on an inner wythe of a cavity wall structure. A rotation control portion of the elongated body may include teeth formed on the surface. A collar with at least one aperture for a veneer tie is located near the driving end. The collar may have a pawl associated with it and positioned to engage the teeth on the elongated body. The teeth of the elongated body and the pawl of the collar form a ratchet structure. The collar can be rotated relative to the wall anchor only in a single direction, with the interengaging ratchet structure preventing rotation in the opposite direction.