Snap-Nut Concrete Anchor Assembly With Minimum-Insertion Locking

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, ensures proper alignment and engagement of threaded components through a snap-locking mechanism that only engages the rod once a minimum insertion length is achieved, preventing axial removal except by rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a split nut concept is used to accommodate different bolt sizes, then adaptability is improved, but alignment reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of different bolt sizesVSAvoidalignment reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The anchor is divided into two separable portions: a base member with a main guide and a support member with a connector opening. This segmentation allows the anchor to accommodate different rod sizes while the guide structures ensure proper alignment during assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The main guide and connector opening act as intermediary alignment features that guide the rod into proper alignment between the base member and support member, ensuring reliable mating despite the separable nature of the anchor portions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a biased split nut structure is used for axial installation, then ease of operation is improved, but installation precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaxial installation easeVSAvoidthread engagement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The rod is pre-aligned using the main guide and connector opening before final thread engagement occurs. This preliminary alignment action ensures that when the support member is pressed onto the rod, the threads are already properly positioned for complete engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the traditional biased split nut mechanism with a guide-based alignment system combined with a snap-fit connection. This substitution maintains ease of axial installation while ensuring precise thread engagement through geometric guidance rather than elastic biasing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separable bore portions are used for flexibility, then adaptability is improved, but alignment assurance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in rod size accommodationVSAvoidalignment assurance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The anchor is divided into two separable portions: a base member with a main guide and a support member with a connector opening. This segmentation allows the anchor to accommodate different rod sizes while the guide structures ensure proper alignment during assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The main guide and connector opening act as intermediary alignment features that guide the rod into proper alignment between the base member and support member, ensuring reliable mating despite the separable nature of the anchor portions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 improper installation and providing a clear indication of sufficient rod insertion, thus improving the integrity and ease of use of the anchor system.

Implementation Method 1

a biasing member to bias the jaw assembly toward the longitudinal axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10927874B2Snap nut concrete anchor assembly

Publication Date: 2021.02.23 BLACK & DECKER CORP

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.