Conical Anchoring Plug with Flexible Sleeve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercially available plugs for anchoring in building materials face issues such as high pull-out values variability due to diameter tolerances and penetration depth, leading to unstable anchoring, especially under unfavorable conditions, and require a lengthy screwing process.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a rotationally symmetric conical anchoring region and a radially flexible clamping sleeve that expands to create a force-fitting connection with the building material, allowing for quick and stable anchoring, featuring a conical design for the anchoring region and clamping sleeve, and optionally including a thread or other attachment mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional plastic plugs are used for anchoring, then the anchoring can be performed with simple tools, but the pull-out values vary significantly due to diameter tolerances and penetration depth variations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the anchoring system by introducing a conical anchoring region with a specific angle (30-60 degrees) and a clamping sleeve with corresponding conical inner surface. This geometric configuration transforms the anchoring mechanism from depending on friction and interference fit to depending on mechanical interlocking through the conical geometry, thereby achieving consistent pull-out values independent of small variations in hole diameter or insertion depth
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs conical surfaces (rotated cones) for both the anchoring region and the inner surface of the clamping sleeve. This curved geometric form allows the components to self-align and distribute loads uniformly, reducing the sensitivity to manufacturing tolerances and ensuring reliable anchoring even when there are variations in hole diameter or insertion depth
2Reliability
If a long stretched-out tubular sleeve is used for fixing, then the fixing zone can be distributed over a longer distance, but the screwing-in operation requires a very long time with many rotations
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of screwing the sleeve into the hole as in conventional designs, the invention inverts the sequence: the fixing element is first inserted into the hole, then the clamping sleeve is placed over it and clamped axially. This inversion eliminates the need for extensive rotational screwing and reduces installation time significantly while maintaining anchoring stability
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing element is pre-formed with a conical anchoring region that is designed to work with the clamping sleeve. This preliminary preparation of the fixing element allows the clamping sleeve to be quickly installed and clamped without requiring time-consuming screwing operations, thereby reducing installation time while ensuring reliable anchoring
3Reliability
If the clamping sleeve is made radially flexible to expand over the conical anchoring region, then the force-fit connection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping sleeve is designed as a radially flexible shell that can expand and contract. This flexible shell structure allows the sleeve to be compressed during installation, passed over the fixing element, and then expanded to create a tight force-fit connection with the building material. The flexibility is achieved through longitudinal slots or material selection, enabling reliable anchoring without complex mechanical components
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping sleeve's radial flexibility allows it to self-adjust and self-lock onto the fixing element and building material. When the sleeve is compressed and then released, it automatically expands to the correct diameter, creating the force-fit connection without requiring additional tools, adjustments, or complex mechanisms. The system serves itself through the elastic deformation and recovery of the flexible material
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 enables rapid and reliable anchoring with high pull-out values, suitable for various building materials and applications, including concrete and optical measurement systems, while minimizing damage during component exchange.
Implementation Method 1
the conical anchoring region can expand the radially flexible clamping sleeve such that the outer surface of the clamping sleeve is connected with the building material in a force-fitting manner
Implementation Method 2
the dimensioning of the anchoring region and the clamping sleeve can also be matched such that the clamping sleeve is radially compressed by the building material when it is driven into the drilled hole
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a fixing device for anchoring in a building material, comprising a fixing element with an axial conical anchoring region and a fixing region and a radially flexible clamping sleeve which may be clamped between the anchoring region and the building material. The invention further relates to a method for anchoring the fixing device.