Ceiling Anchor Assembly With Spring-Locked Securing Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ceiling anchors have weight limitations and securing toggles can be difficult to maneuver into securing positions.

Innovation Solution

An insertion device with a pivotally movable securing member and an urging member, such as a coil spring, that automatically locks into a securing position, ensuring secure attachment to the anchor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a movable securing toggle is used in the anchor, then the anchor can be installed in ceilings to suspend items, but it can be difficult to cause the toggle to move to a securing position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of moving securing toggleVSAvoidcomplexity of securing mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The securing member is pre-loaded by the urging member (spring) during insertion, so that once inserted, the securing member automatically moves to the securing position without requiring additional manual manipulation. The preliminary action of loading the spring during insertion prepares the mechanism to self-actuate upon installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The urging member (spring) provides self-service by automatically urging the securing member to the securing position once the insertion device is installed in the anchor. The spring's stored energy performs the work of moving the toggle without requiring external intervention or complex manual operation after installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of manufacture

If the securing member is pivotally movable between securing and insertion positions, then the insertion device can be inserted into the anchor cavity, but additional components (pivot element, urging member) are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of insertionVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insertion device is segmented into distinct functional components: a main part for insertion, a separable securing member that can be independently positioned, and an urging member (spring) that provides the forcing action. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while being manufactured and assembled separately.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The securing member transitions from a static component to a dynamically movable one, pivoting between insertion and securing positions. This dynamic capability allows the same component to serve dual purposes: insertion mode and securing mode, reducing the need for completely separate mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the urging member urges the securing member to the securing position, then secure attachment is achieved, but the urging member requires space within the anchor cavity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of attachmentVSAvoidspace required in anchor cavity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The urging member (spring) is nested within the anchor cavity, utilizing the existing space efficiently. The spring is positioned within the cavity rather than requiring external space, and its compact coiled structure allows it to fit within the limited volume while still providing sufficient urging force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring is designed as a flexible component with a compact coiled structure that can exert significant force while occupying minimal space. The flexible nature of the spring allows it to store energy in a compressed state and release it to move the securing member, achieving reliable attachment without requiring large volumes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 allows for easy and secure attachment of suspension articles to ceiling anchors, minimizing the risk of accidental dislodgment and accommodating various sizes of threaded rods.

Implementation Method 1

an urging member arranged between the main part and the securing member; wherein the urging member is arranged to urge the securing member to the securing position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12546438B2Anchor assembly

Publication Date: 2026.02.10 GRIPPLE LTD

AI summary

There is provided an anchor assembly (10) and an insertion device (14) for an anchor (12). The anchor assembly (10) comprises the anchor (14) mountable on a support (22), the anchor (14) comprising a body (16), the body (16) defining a cavity (18) and an opening (42). The assembly (10) further includes the insertion device (14) insertable into the cavity (18) via the opening (42). The insertion device (14) comprises a securing member (46) movable between securing and insertion positions.