Anchor Indicator Assembly With Frangible Installation Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chemical anchors lack user feedback during the fixing operation, making it difficult for users to determine when the anchor is correctly installed, leading to potential installation failures.
Innovation Solution
An indicator assembly for an anchor that includes a guide member and an indicator member, where the indicator member detaches at a predetermined force, providing visual, auditory, or tactile feedback when the fixing operation is complete.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chemical anchors are used without an indicator mechanism, then the installation process is simpler, but the user cannot determine when the anchor is correctly installed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by incorporating an indicator mechanism that provides real-time visual feedback to the user during installation. The indicator member changes state (e.g., breaks, moves, or changes color) to signal when the anchor has reached proper installation depth and force, allowing users to know when installation is complete without requiring complex measurement tools or expertise.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator member serves as an intermediary between the anchor installation process and the user. It translates the mechanical state of the anchor (depth, force applied) into a visible signal that the user can easily interpret, bridging the gap between the complex internal mechanics of the anchor and the user's need for simple installation verification.
2Ease of operation
If an indicator mechanism is added to the anchor, then user feedback during installation is provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator mechanism provides immediate visual feedback during the installation process, allowing users to easily determine when the anchor is properly installed. This feedback loop simplifies the operation by eliminating the need for users to estimate or measure installation parameters, making the process more foolproof and easier to perform correctly.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator member is designed as a disposable, single-use component that is sacrificed during installation. It is intentionally designed to break or change state once during the installation process to provide the necessary feedback, after which it serves no further function. This approach keeps the added complexity minimal by using a simple, inexpensive component that performs its feedback function and is then discarded.
3Loss of information
If the indicator member detaches at predetermined force, then clear feedback is provided to the user, but the force requirement for complete installation must be precisely controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator mechanism is designed to change its physical state (break, move, or deform) at a predetermined force threshold. By carefully selecting materials and geometric configurations, the detachment force can be set to correspond to the minimum force required for proper anchor installation, ensuring that the indicator provides feedback at the correct moment in the installation process.
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
Ensures reliable and complete installation of the anchor by providing clear feedback to the user, ensuring all steps occur smoothly and safely, regardless of the material type.
Implementation Method 1
configured to physically detach from said guide member at a predetermined force provided by the shoulder portion of the screw onto said indicator member during use
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The present invention provides for an indicator assembly (100) for an anchor, comprising a guide member (101), having a distal end portion, operably coupleable to an opening of a sheath of the anchor, and a proximal end portion (123), configured to guidingly receive a screw entering the opening of the sheath, said guide member being adapted to centralise the screw with a central axis of the sheath during use; and an indicator member (103), operably frangibly coupled to said proximal end portion of said guide member, and configured to operably engage with a shoulder portion of the screw, so as to, physically detach from said guide member at a predetermined force provided by the shoulder portion of the screw onto said indicator member during use.