Anchor Link Installation Tool with Torque-Bearing Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for installing anchor links on balconies are unsafe, as they require builders to climb ladders without railings, posing a risk of falls, and existing tools are not suitable for attaching separate anchor links to overhead structures.

Innovation Solution

An anchor link installation tool with a torque-bearing support surface and a rotating rod system that allows safe installation of anchor links into overhead sockets from the ground, eliminating the need for ladders and enhancing work safety by supporting the anchor link during rotation and securing it with gravity and friction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a builder climbs a ladder to attach an anchor link to a threaded socket in the ceiling, then the anchor link can be installed, but the builder is exposed to a high risk of falling without railings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework safetyVSAvoidaccessibility to overhead structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary device - a rod with installation head - that bridges the gap between the ground level and the overhead threaded socket. This intermediary tool allows the anchor link to be installed from ground level without requiring the builder to climb ladders, thus eliminating the fall hazard while maintaining the ability to reach overhead structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational dimension by extending the installation capability vertically through a long rod mechanism. This allows the installer to operate from ground level (lower dimension) while affecting components at overhead heights (upper dimension), effectively bridging the vertical gap without physical climbing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the anchor link is held in the installation head during rotation, then the anchor link can be securely installed, but the installation head must provide sufficient torque transmission

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanchor link installation securityVSAvoidtorque transmission capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The installation head features a localized torque-bearing support surface specifically designed to contact and transmit torque to the anchor link. This localized quality ensures that torque is efficiently transmitted at the precise point where the anchor link engages with the threaded socket, providing secure installation without requiring excessive force throughout the entire mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The support surface is designed with a curved or spherical contact area that matches the geometry of the anchor link. This curved surface optimizes torque transmission by distributing the rotational force evenly across the contact point, ensuring reliable engagement and rotation of the anchor link into the threaded socket

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Ease of operation

If the anchor link protrudes with the bolt end sticking out, then the anchor link can be directed into the installation object, but the installation head must accommodate the anchor link in a specific orientation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment with threaded socketVSAvoidinstallation head structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The installation head is designed with an asymmetric recess that specifically accommodates the anchor link in the required orientation with the bolt end protruding. This asymmetric geometry ensures proper alignment with the threaded socket while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, as the asymmetry is localized to the anchor link holding portion rather than the entire device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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

Enables safe and efficient installation of anchor links on balconies and other overhead structures from the ground, reducing the risk of falls and streamlining the installation process by using a torque-bearing support surface and rotating rod system.

Implementation Method 1

the anchor link only stays in place in the installation tool due to the lateral and vertical forces produced by gravity and the support surface. During rotation, the support surface transmits the torque required to turn the anchor link from the rod to the installation head and via the support surface to the anchor link

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

the anchor link only stays in place in the installation tool due to the lateral and vertical forces produced by gravity and the support surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP4378539A1Anchor link installation tool
Publication Date: 2024.06.05 FINNPOLE OY
  • EP4378539A1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP4378539A1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP4378539A1 patent drawingFigure 1c

AI summary

The invention relates to an anchor link installation tool (12) for installing an anchor link (10), wherein the installation tool (12) includes - an installation head (14) configured to hold an anchor link (10), wherein the installation head (14) includes a torque-bearing support surface (33) for supporting the anchor link (10) in a releasable manner in the installation head (14) during the installation of the anchor link (10) with the bolt end (11) belonging to the anchor link (10) sticking out, and - a rod (16) comprising an upper end (18) and a lower end (20), attached at its upper end (18) to the installation head (14), for rotating the installation head (14). The invention also relates to a method for installing an anchor link.