Ceiling Anchor Insertion Assembly With Self-Securing Toggle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anchor assemblies for suspending items from ceilings have weight limitations and often face difficulties in securing toggles due to their movable mechanisms, which can be challenging to maneuver into a securing position.
Innovation Solution
An anchor assembly with a movable securing member and an insertion device that includes cooperating portions with tips to urge the securing member into a securing position when inserted into the anchor's cavity, utilizing reinforcing members to reinforce curable materials like concrete and enhance weight-bearing capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a movable securing toggle is used in the insertion device, then the securing mechanism can be adjusted between securing and non-securing positions, but it becomes difficult to cause the toggle to move to a securing position
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion device is designed so that the act of insertion itself automatically moves the securing member to the securing position through the interaction between the tip and the cooperating surfaces. The device serves itself by converting the insertion motion directly into the securing action, eliminating the need for separate manual manipulation of the toggle.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing member is pre-positioned and the geometric relationship between the tip, first surfaces, and second surfaces is predetermined during manufacturing. When insertion occurs, the pre-configured surfaces automatically guide the securing member to the correct securing position without requiring real-time adjustment or user intervention.
2Strength
If the anchor assembly is designed to support greater weight, then the weight-bearing capacity increases, but the complexity of the securing mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex adjustment mechanism from the securing function. Instead of using a multi-component adjustable mechanism, the design separates the securing action into a simple geometric interaction between the tip and the cooperating surfaces, while the weight-bearing capacity is achieved through the anchor's engagement with the reinforcing members in the concrete.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the insertion device for positioning, the securing member for engagement, and the anchor body for weight-bearing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the securing mechanism remains simple while the anchor structure provides the necessary strength.
3Ease of operation
If the securing member is made movable to improve ease of positioning, then the ease of operation improves, but the reliability of the securing position decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable securing member automatically transitions to and locks in the securing position through the geometric constraint of the cooperating surfaces. The device self-secures without requiring manual adjustment, and the automatic engagement ensures consistent reliable positioning every time the insertion device is installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The first surfaces and second surfaces act as intermediary elements that mediate between the insertion motion and the final securing position. These intermediate surfaces guide the movable securing member smoothly to the correct position and maintain it there, providing both ease of operation and reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
An anchor assembly (10) comprises an anchor (12) comprising a body (15) defining a cavity (16). The anchor (12) further comprises a reinforcing member (18) extending through the cavity (16) and outwardly from the body (15). The anchor assembly (10) further includes an insertion device (14) insertable into the cavity (16). The insertion device (14) comprises a securing member (49) movable between securing and non-securing positions. When the movable securing member (49) is in the securing position in the cavity (16), the securing member (49) can engage the reinforcing member (18) to secure the insertion device (14) to the anchor (12).