Claw-Locked Separate Helix Screw for Reliable Force Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing concrete screws with separate helix elements face challenges in maintaining a strong and reliable connection between the helix element and the shank, which is complex and expensive due to the need to transfer significant forces during installation and use, leading to potential detachment.
Innovation Solution
A screw design featuring at least one claw that overlaps both radially and axially with the separate helix element, ensuring a monolithic connection with the shank, providing a positive locking mechanism that secures the helix element effectively and allows for efficient force transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate helix element is used to tap into concrete, then the screw can effectively engage with concrete substrates, but the connection between the helix element and shank becomes complex and expensive due to the need to transfer significant forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the separate helix element with the shank by integrating them into a single monolithic structure. The helix element and shank are formed as one piece through processes like extrusion or injection molding, eliminating the need for separate connection mechanisms while maintaining the ability to transfer significant forces during concrete engagement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures where the shank and helix element are created as an integrated component using materials such as polyamides, polyesters, or polypropylene. This composite approach allows the single-piece structure to withstand the forces required for concrete tapping while simplifying the overall connection design
2Adaptability or versatility
If the helix element is separate from the shank, then different materials can be used for optimal concrete tapping, but the interface between elements must transfer significant forces including tensile and circumferential forces
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the helix element and shank into a single monolithic structure, the patent eliminates the interface that would otherwise need to transfer tensile and circumferential forces. The integrated design allows force distribution throughout the entire structure without weak points at connection interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating an integrated structure where the helix portion and shank portion are formed as one piece with optimized local geometries. The extrusion or injection molding process allows different sections to have tailored shapes and properties while maintaining structural continuity and eliminating interface weaknesses
3Reliability
If claws are used to secure the helix element, then the connection becomes more robust, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the claw structure with the shank by forming both as a single monolithic piece through extrusion or injection molding. This integration eliminates the need for separate claw components while maintaining the robust connection features, thereby simplifying manufacturing rather than complicating it
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses segmentation in the design of the integrated structure, where the shank and helix element are formed as one piece with distinct functional zones. The extrusion or injection molding process creates segmented features like claws and grooves as integral parts of the monolithic structure, achieving both robustness and manufacturing efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A screw including a shank, at least one screw thread, which is arranged on the shank, winds around the shank and protrudes from the shank, and a separate helix element, which is arranged non-monolithically on the shank, wherein the separate helix element winds around the shank, protrudes from the shank, and constitutes at least a section of the at least one screw thread. The screw further includes at least one first claw, which projects from the shank, and which has both radial and axial overlap with the separate helix element, wherein the shank and the at least one first claw are monolithic with respect to one another.