Expansion Anchor Rear-Face Code Protection Against Hammer Damage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Expansion anchors with optically readable codes are prone to false readings or damage due to hammer blows during installation, which can scratch or deform the code on the rear face of the anchor bolt, leading to unreliable readings.

Innovation Solution

A code protection protrusion is integrated on the anchor bolt, projecting rearwardly beyond the optically readable code to absorb the impact of hammer blows and prevent scratching or deformation, ensuring the code remains readable and accessible for sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the optically readable code is applied directly on the rear face of the anchor bolt for identification, then the code is easily accessible for reading, but the code becomes vulnerable to damage from hammer blows during installation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecode accessibilityVSAvoidcode readability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The rear face of the anchor bolt is segmented into two functional zones: a code area with the optically readable code for identification, and a code protection area with a protrusion that absorbs hammer blows. This segmentation allows the code to remain accessible while protecting it from damage during installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The code protection protrusion acts as an intermediary element between the hammer blows and the optically readable code. It intercepts the impact forces and prevents them from reaching the code, thereby protecting the code's readability while maintaining installation functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the anchor bolt is hammered forcefully into the borehole during installation, then installation speed and productivity are improved, but the optically readable code on the rear face gets scratched or deformed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidcode integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The code protection protrusion is designed beforehand to cushion the impact of hammer blows during installation. By providing this protective structure in advance, the anchor bolt can be installed forcefully and quickly without risking damage to the optically readable code, thus maintaining both productivity and code integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If additional protective structures are added to shield the code from hammer blows, then code reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecode protectionVSAvoidanchor bolt structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The code protection protrusion is merged with the anchor bolt as an integrated feature rather than a separate component. This combining approach provides effective code protection while avoiding the complexity of additional parts, assemblies, or fastening mechanisms, thus maintaining manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The code protection protrusion serves multiple functions: it protects the optically readable code from hammer blows, maintains the structural integrity of the anchor bolt, and does not interfere with the installation process. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective components, simplifying the overall device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11815115B2Expansion anchor with protected optical code

Publication Date: 2023.11.14 HILTI AG

AI summary

An expansion anchor includes an anchor bolt with a rear face, a displaceable body located adjacent to the anchor bolt, and at least one wedge body located in a front region of the anchor bolt. The wedge body has a converging zone for displacing the displaceable body. An optically readable code is located at the rear face of the anchor bolt. At least one code protection protrusion projects from the anchor bolt rearwardly beyond the optically readable code.