Expansion Masonry Anchor Socket for Interchangeable Fasteners

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing masonry anchors lack ease of use and interchangeability with different types of fasteners, leading to inefficiencies in prefabricated building sections and increased product proliferation.

Innovation Solution

A masonry anchor with a socket and resilient locking formations that securely receive a correspondingly shaped mounting fastener, allowing for easy installation and interchangeability, featuring a non-circular profile for torque transmission and a release mechanism for disengagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional masonry anchors are used without a socket and locking formations, then the anchor structure is simple, but the ease of operation and interchangeability with different fasteners is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of mounting fastenersVSAvoidanchor structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting fastener is nested within the socket of the anchor member. The socket is configured to releasably receive the mounting portion of the fastener, with locking formations that extend partially into the void of the socket and are received in a groove formed in the mounting portion. This nesting arrangement allows the fastener to be securely held within the anchor while maintaining ease of installation and removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking formations act as an intermediary mechanism between the anchor member and the mounting fastener. These resiliently displaceable locking formations engage with the groove in the mounting portion to securely connect the two components, facilitating easy mounting and dismounting operations while providing a reliable connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple types of anchors are used to accommodate different fasteners, then various fastening needs are met, but product proliferation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterchangeability with different fastenersVSAvoidproduct proliferation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The anchor member is designed with a universal socket and locking formation system that can accommodate multiple types of mounting fasteners. The socket is configured to releasably receive mounting portions of correspondingly shaped fasteners, and the locking formations can engage with grooves in different fastener types. This multi-functional design allows a single anchor type to work with various fasteners, eliminating the need for multiple specialized anchor products.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If resilient locking formations are added to the socket, then the reliability of fastener retention is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastener retention securityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The locking formations are designed with resilient properties that allow them to be displace radially. This parameter change in the mechanical properties of the locking formations enables them to flex during installation and then maintain a secure locking engagement. The resilient nature of these formations provides reliable fastener retention while allowing for relatively simple manufacturing processes compared to more complex mechanical locking systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 quick and secure mounting of various fasteners, simplifying manufacturing and installation while reducing product diversity, enhancing the connection system's efficiency and versatility.

Implementation Method 1

The locking formations are urged radially inwardly for securing the anchor member and the mounting fastener together

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the non-circular profile is configured to be received by a correspondingly shaped portion of the socket to transmit torque from the mounting fastener to the anchor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3208476B1Masonry anchor of the expansion type
Publication Date: 2021.07.28 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • EP3208476B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3208476B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3208476B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A masonry anchor of the expansion type, comprising an anchor member having a socket formed in an end which is accessible after installation, the socket being configured to releasably receive a mounting portion of a correspondingly shaped mounting fastener.