Anchor Rod Coupling Joint With Frangible Pin for Seismic Tolerance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wall anchor systems, particularly in seismic areas, face issues where anchor rods can cause additional damage during earthquakes due to their rigidity, and existing solutions like couplers are cumbersome to manufacture and install, requiring large bore holes or wall removal.
Innovation Solution
An anchor rod coupling joint with a first and second joint member of different diameters, a compression sleeve, and a frangible pin that breaks under excessive force, allowing for lateral movement and reducing tension, designed to be compact enough to pass through standard bore holes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a coupler is installed within the anchor rod to allow lateral movement and provide tolerance, then seismic tolerance is improved, but the device becomes cumbersome to manufacture and install, requiring large bore holes or wall removal
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling joint is divided into two separate members (first joint member and second joint member) with different diameters, allowing them to be assembled sequentially through the anchor rod without requiring excessive clearance. This segmentation enables the tolerance mechanism to fit within standard bore holes while maintaining seismic flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The first joint member with the larger diameter is nested within the second joint member with the smaller diameter, creating a compact assembly that can pass through standard bore holes. This nested configuration reduces the overall footprint while maintaining the functional capabilities of allowing lateral movement and providing seismic tolerance.
2Strength
If anchor rods are installed to stiffen the building and protect against tremors, then structural support is improved, but the anchor rods can cause additional damage during earthquakes due to their rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling joint incorporates dynamic elements that allow the rigid anchor rod system to accommodate seismic movements. The first and second joint members can move relative to each other within defined limits, enabling the system to absorb earthquake forces without causing damage to the building structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its mechanical parameters under different loading conditions. During normal conditions, the joint members maintain fixed positions providing structural support. During seismic events, the joint members can shift positions within the elongate channel, changing the system's rigidity to accommodate movements and prevent damage.
3Shape
If the anchor rod is passed through a bore hole to conceal it within the wall, then aesthetics is improved, but the bore hole must be drilled through the entirety of the building causing unnecessary damage
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling joint is segmented into two members of different diameters, allowing the assembly to pass through a smaller bore hole than would be required for a single large-diameter coupler. This reduces the size of the bore hole needed, minimizing damage to the wall while still achieving the aesthetic goal of concealing the anchor rod.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides structural support while allowing for seismic tolerance, reducing damage by decoupling under extreme stress and maintaining structural integrity without the need for large bore holes or wall removal.
Implementation Method 1
a compression sleeve, at least a portion of the second joint member being arranged to frictionally engage within the compression sleeve
Implementation Method 2
a frangible pin which breaks under excessive force, allowing for lateral movement and reducing tension
Implementation Method 3
the first joint member also comprises a elongate channel which extends radially through the body and axially along the body. Also the joint further comprises a stopping pin which extends through the hole and the elongate channel for limiting relative movement of the first and second joint members along a longitudinal axis of the joint
Data Source
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AI summary
An anchor rod coupling joint for coupling anchor rods comprises a first joint member, a second joint member and a compression sleeve. The first joint member comprises a body having a first diameter and the second joint member comprises a body having a second diameter. The first diameter is less that the second diameter such that the first joint member is arranged to frictionally engage within the second joint member. At least a portion of the second joint member is arranged to frictionally engage within the compression sleeve. The second joint member further comprises a hole which extends through the body. The first joint member comprises an elongate channel which extends axially along the body. The joint further comprises a pin which extends through the hole and the elongate channel for limiting relative movement of the first and second joint members along a longitudinal axis thereof, the first and second joint members being arranged to receive and couple with anchoring rods. The first and second joint members and the compression sleeve may be substantially cylindrical in shape, and the diameter of the compression sleeve can be selected to provide a required frictional force. The pin may be forms of a frangible material designed to break when subjected to a predefined force threshold.