Snap Nut Concrete Anchor with Guided Jaw Snap Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anchor designs for concrete substrates face reliability challenges due to alignment issues and incomplete thread engagement during installation, particularly with split nut concepts that lack assurance of proper alignment and sufficient rod insertion.
Innovation Solution
A base member with a main guide and reinforcement ribs, combined with a support member featuring a jaw assembly and biasing mechanism that ensures proper alignment and engagement of threaded components only upon complete insertion of the rod, preventing axial removal except by rotation, thus ensuring secure and reliable attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a split nut concept is used to accommodate different sized bolts, then versatility is improved, but alignment reliability deteriorates due to lack of assurance that proper alignment and complete collapse onto the rod has occurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism through the snap action that provides immediate sensory feedback to the installer. When the rod is inserted sufficiently, the biasing member releases and causes a sudden snap engagement, audibly and tactilely confirming proper alignment and complete thread engagement. This eliminates uncertainty about installation quality while maintaining versatility for different thread sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor assembly performs self-alignment and self-verification through its internal mechanism. The biasing member automatically urges the rod toward complete insertion, and the snap action self-verifies proper engagement without requiring external inspection or additional components. The system serves itself to ensure reliable installation across different thread sizes.
2Ease of operation
If a biased split nut structure is used to allow axial installation, then ease of operation is improved, but installation reliability deteriorates due to incomplete collapse assurance
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member is pre-loaded in a compressed state before installation, storing elastic energy that will automatically urge the rod toward complete insertion. This preliminary action eliminates the need for manual forcing or adjustment during installation, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring complete collapse onto the rod for reliable thread engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the split nut structure from a static configuration to a dynamic one through the biasing member. The structure naturally moves from an expanded installation state to a collapsed operational state, with the snap action providing a dynamic indicator of complete engagement. This dynamic behavior ensures reliable installation while maintaining simple axial operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If threaded bore structures are used for anchor points, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but thread engagement reliability deteriorates due to misalignment risks
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member acts as an intermediary between the split nut structure and the rod. It mediates the engagement process by continuously urging the rod toward complete insertion and providing the snap action that confirms proper alignment. This intermediary mechanism ensures reliable thread engagement while maintaining the simplicity of the overall manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the biasing member's elastic state to ensure reliable thread engagement. The member transitions from a compressed high-energy state to a relaxed low-energy state during installation, with the snap action occurring at the precise parameter point where complete rod insertion and proper alignment are achieved. This parameter-based control ensures reliability without complicating manufacturing.
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 enhances installation reliability by ensuring proper alignment and complete thread engagement, reducing the risk of misalignment and incomplete insertion, and provides a clear indication of sufficient rod insertion through a sudden engagement mechanism, thereby improving the integrity and ease of use of the anchor system.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient biasing member can be provided in the support member that is compressed upon initial insertion of the rod and that snaps back to an expanded state upon engagement of the rod with the jaw assembly
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes an anchor device for receiving and securing a shaft thereto. The device includes an outer housing within which a jaw assembly is secured. The outer housing of the device may in turn be secured to or within a support structure such as a building component. Jaw components of the jaw assembly may be threaded. Furthermore, the jaw assembly has at least two configurations. In a first configuration, at least one jaw component is positioned away from a central shaft axis against the biasing force of a biasing member. A removable or reconfigurable holding member or stop member selectively secures the at least one jaw component in this position. A second configuration is the result of the holding member being reconfigured by the inserted shaft. The shaft triggers movement of the at least one jaw component toward the central shaft axis and into contact with the shaft.