Expandable Anchor Tool for Self-Drilling and Standard Anchors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing expandable anchor installation tools are limited in their ability to efficiently install both self-drilling and non-self-drilling expandable anchors, often requiring separate tools and increasing installation time and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A versatile expandable anchor installation tool that integrates a handle, driver, drill bit holder, and expandable member holder, allowing for the installation of both self-drilling and non-self-drilling anchors by facilitating the drilling, insertion, and expansion of the anchor components through a unified mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

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

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. The driver component features adjustable configurations that adapt to different anchor types, allowing a single tool to perform multiple functions without requiring separate specialized equipment for each anchor variety.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The tool is divided into modular components including a handle, driver, and interchangeable drill bit holder that can be configured differently depending on the anchor type being installed. This segmentation allows the same base tool to be adapted for different functions by swapping or reconfiguring specific modules, reducing overall complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate tools are used for self-drilling and non-self-drilling expandable anchors, then each tool can be optimized for its specific function, but productivity decreases due to increased installation time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different anchor typesVSAvoidinstallation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The driver component incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities that allow operators to quickly reconfigure the tool between different anchor types without time-consuming tool changes. The drill bit holder and driver interface can be rapidly adjusted or swapped, maintaining a continuous workflow and preventing productivity losses that would occur with static, specialized tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The tool combines the drilling and anchor installation functions into a single integrated system. By merging the drill bit holder, driver, and anchor installation mechanism into one unified tool, the system eliminates the need for separate drilling equipment and anchor installation tools, thereby streamlining the installation process and improving overall productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If a unified tool is used for both self-drilling and non-self-drilling anchors, then installation time decreases and ease of use increases, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of useVSAvoidtool structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The unified tool achieves ease of operation by providing a single interface that handles both anchor types. The driver and drill bit holder are designed with universal compatibility features that simplify the user experience, allowing workers to use one tool for all anchor installations without needing to learn or adapt to multiple different tool configurations.

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

Solution Approach 2:

While the overall tool is unified, specific local components such as the drill bit holder and driver interface are designed with adjustable or interchangeable elements that provide the necessary specialization for different anchor types. This localized adaptability maintains simplicity in the main tool structure while providing the complexity only where needed for different anchor configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Productivity

If a unified tool is used for both self-drilling and non-self-drilling anchors, then installation time decreases and productivity increases, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation efficiencyVSAvoidtool configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tool merges drilling and anchor installation operations into a single integrated system, eliminating the need for separate tools and operations. This consolidation improves productivity by allowing continuous operation from drilling through anchor installation without tool changes, while the modular design keeps the complexity manageable through standardized interfaces and interchangeable components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4292766B1Expandable anchor installation tool
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • EP4292766B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4292766B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4292766B1 patent drawingFigure 3

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.