Deep-Reach Wall Anchor for Dry-Lined Concrete Fixings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard anchor systems are ineffective for securing heavy objects to dry-lined walls and ceilings due to the inaccessibility of the concrete substrate layer, which is obscured by multiple layers of materials, and they can damage the dry lining material when used in buildings with external insulation or cladding.
Innovation Solution
A specialized apparatus featuring a main body with a driving means and an expanding anchor that allows for independent torque and compressive force application, enabling secure attachment to the concrete substrate without damaging the dry lining, through a two-step process involving actuation of the main body and attachment of a spacer bushing or mounting plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standard expanding anchor is inserted into a hole in a dry lined wall or ceiling, then the anchor can be expanded to secure the object, but the concrete substrate layer becomes inaccessible due to the depth of the wall and ceiling layers
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus divides the anchoring function into two separate components: an expanding anchor that secures to the concrete substrate and a main body that extends through the dry lining layers. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function independently - the anchor engages the inaccessible concrete while the main body provides the interface for securing objects through the accessible dry lining surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The main body acts as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between the inaccessible expanding anchor in the concrete substrate and the accessible dry lining surface. It transmits forces between these two points and provides a interface for securing objects without requiring direct access to the concrete substrate.
2Ease of manufacture
If a standard wall anchor is used in buildings with external insulation or cladding, then the anchor can be installed, but the dry lining material is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The expanding anchor is installed and expanded within the concrete substrate first, creating a secure anchor point before the main body is inserted through the dry lining layers. This preliminary action ensures the anchor is firmly secured to the substrate before any interaction with the dry lining occurs, preventing damage during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful interaction between the anchor installation process and the dry lining material is eliminated by extracting the expansion action to occur solely within the concrete substrate. The expanding anchor expands only in the concrete, while the main body passes through the dry lining without expansion, thus preventing damage to the dry lining material.
3Reliability
If torque is applied to rotate the main body to engage the threaded portion, then the apparatus is secured to the wall, but excessive force may damage delicate objects
Solution Approach 1:
The force application is segmented into two independent stages: rotational torque applied to the main body for securing the apparatus, and compressive force applied separately through the spacer bushing or mounting plate for attaching the object. This segmentation allows precise control over each force type, preventing excessive force from being transmitted to delicate objects during the securing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer bushing or mounting plate acts as an intermediary between the main body and the object being secured. It decouples the rotational securing action from the object attachment, allowing the object to be firmly attached through separate compression without being subjected to damaging rotational forces.
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
This solution provides a secure and controlled installation method for heavy objects on dry-lined surfaces, ensuring the concrete substrate is engaged without damaging the dry lining, and allows for precise force application to prevent damage to delicate objects, suitable for various applications including kitchen installations and plumbing fixtures.
Implementation Method 1
an expanding anchor that allows for independent torque and compressive force application, enabling secure attachment to the concrete substrate
Implementation Method 2
By rotating a bolt provided with the anchor an expansion sleeve of the anchor expands to secure the anchor in the wall
Implementation Method 3
the locking head comprises a threaded portion for engagement in a screw threaded through bore of the driving body
Implementation Method 4
a collar extends around an end of the driving body and is configured with a recess to accommodate a locking pin, and the locking head comprises a head portion and a stepped collar between the head portion and the threaded portion, in which a receiver slot or cam is formed in the stepped collar for receiving the locking pin
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6B
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for securing an item to a concrete or masonry dry lined wall or ceiling. The apparatus comprises a main body (6) and a gripping means (7), the main body having a first end (8) for engagement with the gripping means and a second end (9) for engagement with an item being secured to the wall or ceiling; whereby, a collar (16) is provided on the main body intermediate the first and second ends and is operable to engage with and activate the gripping means when the main body is actuated. The present invention by providing a main body with a deep reach facilitates access to a depth required to position and activate the gripping means in the concrete layer of a dry lined wall or ceiling, thereby bridging deep dry lined layers of a wall or ceiling to isolate the compressive forces away from the dry lined layer. This ensures a solid and secure installation regardless of the depth or composition of the dry lined material.