Expansion Anchor Rear-Face Protection for Reliable Optical Code Readout

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Solution Overview

Problem

Expansion anchors with optically readable codes are prone to false readings or non-readings due to scratching or deformation caused by axial hammer blows during installation, which affects their reliability.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a code protection protrusion that projects rearwardly beyond the optically readable code to absorb and redirect the force of hammer blows, protecting the code from damage and ensuring reliable read-out.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

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

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecode accessibilityVSAvoidcode read-out reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The rear face of the anchor bolt is segmented into two functional zones: a protected zone where the optically readable code is located, and a sacrificial zone where the code protection protrusion extends beyond the code. This segmentation allows the code to remain accessible for reading while the protrusion absorbs hammer blows, preventing damage to the code itself.

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 mechanical impact forces during installation, redirecting them away from the code surface, thereby protecting the code from scratching and deformation while maintaining code accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the anchor bolt is forcefully hammered into the borehole during installation, then the installation process is efficient and quick, but the rear face and optically readable code become scratched or deformed resulting in false readings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidcode read-out reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The code protection protrusion provides beforehand cushioning by extending beyond the optically readable code on the rear face. This protrusion is designed to absorb and dissipate the impact energy of hammer blows before they can reach the code, ensuring that even forceful installation methods do not compromise code integrity or cause false readings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If the code protection protrusion is added to protect the optically readable code, then the code read-out reliability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecode read-out reliabilityVSAvoidanchor 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 merging approach allows the protrusion to be formed during the same manufacturing process as the anchor bolt itself, adding minimal complexity to the overall structure while effectively protecting the optically readable code from installation damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3788266B1Expansion anchor with protected optical code

Publication Date: 2022.02.23 HILTI AG

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to an expansion anchor having an anchor bolt (10) with a rear face (19), a displaceable body located adjacent to the anchor bolt, at least one wedge body located in a front region of the anchor bolt, wherein the wedge body has a converging zone for displacing the displaceable body, and an optically readable code (40), which is located at the rear face of the anchor bolt. According to the invention, the expansion anchor has at least one code protection protrusion (49), which projects, from the anchor bolt, rearwardly beyond the optically readable code.