Expandable Anchor Tool With Interchangeable Holders

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for expandable anchor installation tools that can efficiently install various types of expandable anchors, including self-drilling and non-self-drilling anchors, to address the challenges of installation time and ease of use.

Innovation Solution

The development of an expandable anchor installation tool that includes a handle, a driver, a drill bit holder, and an expandable member holder, allowing for the installation of both self-drilling and non-self-drilling expandable anchors by drilling a hole and expanding the anchor within the structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate tools are used for self-drilling and non-self-drilling anchors, then each tool can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall device complexity increases and versatility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different anchor typesVSAvoidtool configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The installation tool is designed with a universal interface system that can accommodate both self-drilling and non-self-drilling expandable anchors through interchangeable holders. The driver mechanism and handle remain constant while only the drill bit holder or expandable member holder needs to be changed, allowing one tool to perform multiple functions without requiring complete tool changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The tool is divided into modular components: a permanent handle and driver assembly, and interchangeable drill bit holders and expandable member holders. This segmentation allows the user to keep the main tool body and only swap the specific components needed for the current task, reducing the complexity burden of versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If manual anchor installation methods are used, then tool complexity is reduced, but installation time increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidtool structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tool merges the drilling function and anchor expansion function into a single integrated system. The driver can both drill holes (with drill bit attachment) and expand anchors (with expandable member holder attachment), eliminating the need for separate manual operations and significantly speeding up installation while maintaining manageable tool complexity through unified control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The expandable anchor mechanism is designed to be self-expanding through rotation. Once the anchor is inserted into the pre-drilled hole, rotating the driver automatically causes the expandable member to expand and secure itself in the structure without requiring additional manual adjustment or complex tool mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If specialized tools are designed for each anchor type, then installation precision is improved, but the loss of time for tool changes and setup increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation accuracyVSAvoidtool preparation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The drill bit holders and expandable member holders are pre-configured with the correct geometry and interface specifications for their respective anchor types. This preliminary preparation means that when a user needs to switch between anchor types, they simply attach the pre-made holder rather than configuring components on-site, maintaining installation accuracy while minimizing tool preparation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12305678B2Expandable anchor installation tool and methods of use thereof
Publication Date: 2025.05.20 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • US12305678B2 patent drawing
  • US12305678B2 patent drawing
  • US12305678B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An expandable anchor installation tool operable to install different types of expandable anchors including self-drilling expandable anchors and non-self-drilling expandable anchors.