Corrosion-Resistant Compression Anchor with ACME Wedge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compression anchors for swimming pool accessories, such as handrails and diving boards, face corrosion issues in wet environments, leading to tarnishing and the need for additional escutcheon plates, which are undesirable due to their appearance and additional installation requirements.
Innovation Solution
A corrosion-resistant compression anchor with a cylindrical wedge portion and body, featuring thick ACME-2G threads, allows for adjustable tightening and loosening of the support member using a compression ring, and includes an anti-rotation tab to prevent anchor movement, ensuring stability and ease of installation without permanent bonding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional compression anchors are formed from bronze or other non-stainless steel materials, then the anchor can be loosened to release the support member, but the anchor tarnishes in wet environments and requires additional escutcheon plates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the wedge portion and body into a single integrated stainless steel anchor assembly, eliminating the need for separate escutcheon plates. The compression ring is integrated with the anchor body, and the entire assembly is made from corrosion-resistant stainless steel material, combining structural components and material properties into a unified solution that maintains appearance and functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction by combining stainless steel for the wedge portion and body with a separate compression ring material, creating a multi-material assembly that leverages the corrosion resistance of stainless steel while incorporating specialized compression functionality through the ring component.
2Reliability
If stainless steel is used for both the support member and anchor, then corrosion resistance is improved, but a permanent bond may be formed preventing the support member from being removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the anchor into distinct functional components: a wedge portion with threads, a body with cavity, and a separate compression ring. This segmentation allows the compression ring to be the sole source of holding force on the support member, enabling easy release by loosening the ring without affecting the corrosion-resistant stainless steel anchor structure itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression ring serves as an intermediary component between the stainless steel anchor and the support member. It mediates the holding and releasing function, allowing the stainless steel anchor to maintain corrosion resistance while the compression ring provides the mechanical means for reversible attachment and detachment of the support member.
3Strength
If existing anchors are used in wet environments, then the anchor can hold the support member, but the anchor material tarnishes requiring additional escutcheon plates and installation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the anchor body, wedge portion, and compression ring into a single integrated assembly made from corrosion-resistant stainless steel. This merging eliminates the need for separate escutcheon plates and reduces the number of installation steps, as the entire assembly can be installed as one unit that maintains appearance without additional protective components.
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 provides a reliable, corrosion-resistant anchor system that maintains a clean appearance, is easy to install and remove, and prevents anchor rotation during use, addressing the tarnishing issues of traditional anchors while eliminating the need for additional escutcheon plates.
Implementation Method 1
A compression ring is in contact with the body and the wedge portion. As the wedge portion turns relative to the body using the threads, the compression ring expands and contracts to loosen or tighten the connection between the received support member and the anchor.
Implementation Method 2
The anchor includes a body having a cavity and a wedge portion that connects to the body using thick threads, such as 2-4 ACME-2G threads.
Data Source
AI summary
A compression anchor for holding a support member, such as a cylindrical handrail, is disclosed. The anchor includes a body having a cavity and a wedge portion that connects to the body using thick threads, such as 2-4 ACME 2-G threads. The wedge is substantially cylindrical and encircles a support member received in the cavity. A compression ring is in contact with the body and the wedge portion. As the wedge portion turns relative to the body using the threads, the compression ring expands and contracts to loosen or tighten the connection between the received support member and the anchor. The wedge portion and the body are corrosion resistant.