Anchor Bolt Positioning Apparatus for Formwork
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for positioning anchor bolts in concrete structures are prone to errors due to inaccurate marking and insecure placement, leading to costly modifications and misalignment issues.
Innovation Solution
A bolt-positioning apparatus comprising an elongate main body with a longitudinal slot, slidably disposable bolt holders, and abutment elements with stop means for securing anchor bolts in desired positions and angular alignments during concrete casting, ensuring accurate placement and easy removal after curing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If wooden templates are used for positioning anchor bolts, then the method is simple and commonly used, but inaccurate marking and drilling lead to positioning errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized positioning device as an intermediary tool between the formwork and anchor bolts. This device includes a base plate that interfaces with the formwork and a positioning mechanism that precisely determines anchor bolt locations, eliminating the need for manual marking and drilling on wooden templates. The intermediary device ensures consistent, accurate positioning while maintaining ease of use through a standardized installation process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If anchor bolts are manually positioned in formwork, then the process is flexible, but they are susceptible to being knocked out of lateral position or angular alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device is installed on the formwork before the anchor bolts are positioned. The device establishes predetermined accurate locations and angular alignments through its base plate and positioning mechanism. The anchor bolts are then inserted into holes drilled in the positioning device itself, which are precisely located by the device's geometry. This preliminary setup ensures that once installed, the anchor bolts cannot be easily displaced from their intended positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning device serves as a stable intermediary structure that transfers the formwork's structural stability to the anchor bolt positioning. The base plate contacts the formwork and provides a rigid reference frame, while the positioning mechanism (including adjustable arms and clamps) maintains precise angular and lateral relationships. This intermediary structure protects against displacement during concrete pouring and vibration.
3Manufacturing precision
If expensive commercial positioning devices are used, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the cost and difficulty of use increase
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device is divided into distinct functional segments: a base plate for formwork attachment, adjustable positioning arms with clamps for lateral and angular adjustment, and a drilling mechanism interface. Each segment performs a specific function and can be independently adjusted or removed. This segmentation reduces overall complexity by allowing modular assembly and easier maintenance, while maintaining high positioning accuracy through the precise geometric relationships between segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning device incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through movable arms, adjustable clamps, and repositionable components. These dynamic elements allow the device to adapt to different formwork configurations and anchor bolt patterns without requiring multiple specialized tools. The adjustability is achieved through simple mechanical mechanisms (screws, clamps, sliding components) rather than complex electronic or automated systems, maintaining ease of use while improving precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for positioning anchor bolts in formwork comprises a main body having a longitudinal slot, one or more bolt holders slidable within the slot and each adapted to hold a bolt, and two abutments slidable within the slot outboard of the bolt holders. The main body may be positioned on the formwork, with the abutments outboard of the formwork, and with the bolt holders in the main body slot. After the bolt holders have been laterally positioned relative to the formwork, with their abutments positioned against the formwork, the bolt holders and abutments may be fastened to the main body, and the main body attached to the formwork, thus holding the bolts in position relative to the formwork. In variant embodiments, either or both of the abutments may fixed to or integral with the main body, as may be the bolt holder.