Drop-in Anchor Taper Angle Mismatch Reduces Setting Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drop-in anchors require substantial setting force, typically achieved with a sledgehammer, to secure the plug and expand the sleeve in masonry, which is inefficient and potentially hazardous.
Innovation Solution
A drop-in anchor design featuring a tubular sleeve with a tapered inner diameter and a plug with a distinct taper angle, reducing the contact area and friction, allowing for expansion with less force, and optionally using a retainer to prevent plug removal and a specialized installation tool for easier setting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the plug and sleeve have matching taper angles for easy insertion, then the insertion process is simplified, but substantial setting force is required to expand the sleeve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different taper angles to different components: the sleeve has a first taper angle while the plug has a second taper angle that differs by at least one degree. This local differentiation allows the components to work together during insertion while reducing the friction and contact area during expansion, thereby reducing the setting force required.
2Productivity
If a frustoconical plug with matching taper is used, then insertion efficiency is maximized, but the device complexity increases due to precision requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the angular parameter relationship between the plug and sleeve tapers. Instead of requiring exact matching of taper angles, the invention specifies that the plug taper angle differs from the sleeve taper angle by at least one degree. This parameter modification simplifies manufacturing tolerances while maintaining insertion efficiency and reducing setting force requirements.
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
Reduces the force required to set the anchor, enabling installation with a standard hammer or rotary drill, increasing the anchor's load-bearing capacity and simplifying the installation process while preventing plug loss and noise.
Implementation Method 1
A plug is insertable in the sleeve such that when the plug is driven into an installed position in the sleeve the second end expands
Data Source
AI summary
A drop-in anchor includes a tubular sleeve having a first end and an expandable second end. The sleeve tapers in inner diameter from the first end to the second end at a sleeve taper angle. A plug is insertable in the sleeve such that when the plug is driven into an installed position in the sleeve the second end expands. The plug tapers at a plug taper angle from a head end to a tip end. A difference between the sleeve taper angle and the plug taper angle is about one degree or more.