Expansion Anchor Structure for Higher Drywall Load Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The load-bearing behavior of existing expansion anchors is inadequate, particularly in transferring force to the panel building material, such as drywall, due to limitations in the expansion mechanism and material properties.
Innovation Solution
An expansion anchor design featuring a cylindrical body with a sleeve-shaped section and an expansion part, where the expansion elements are connected to the sleeve-shaped section and expansion body via predetermined separation points, allowing for radial expansion and improved force transmission, utilizing a multi-component injection molding process with different plastic materials for enhanced strength and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the expansion anchor uses a one-piece plastic design with integral connection between expansion body and expansion elements, then the structural simplicity and ease of manufacture are improved, but the load-bearing capacity and force transmission to panel material deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion anchor is divided into separate components: an expansion body and expansion elements that are not integrally connected. The expansion elements are connected via predetermined separation points that allow them to detach during expansion, enabling independent optimization of each component's material properties and geometry to improve load-bearing capacity while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.
2Length of moving object
If the expansion anchor uses greater axial pressure for insertion into narrow drill holes, then the insertion capability is improved, but the resistance to buckling and bending deteriorates due to structural weakness
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion elements are designed with predetermined separation points that are prepared in advance to detach at specific moments during expansion. This preliminary design allows the expansion elements to maintain structural integrity during insertion while enabling controlled detachment later to provide the necessary resistance against buckling and bending forces.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the expansion elements are firmly connected to the expansion body, then the structural stability during insertion is improved, but the expansion capability and force transmission to panel material deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between expansion elements and expansion body transitions from a static firm connection to a dynamic state where predetermined separation points allow controlled detachment. This dynamic design enables the expansion elements to be firmly connected during insertion for stability, then detach during expansion to transmit force effectively to the panel material.
4Device complexity
If the expansion anchor uses a single material for all components, then the manufacturing complexity is reduced, but the overall performance and adaptability to different application requirements deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Different components of the expansion anchor are made from different materials optimized for their specific functions. The expansion body uses one material while the expansion elements use another, allowing each component to have local quality tailored to its requirements - improving performance adaptability while the modular design keeps manufacturing complexity manageable.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to an expansion anchor, comprising a sleeve-like portion (4), an expansion body (3) and an expansion part (2) which has expansion elements (5) which, in an unexpanded state, are integrally connected to the sleeve-like portion (4) and to the expansion body (3). The expansion part (2) also has connecting elements (6) which integrally connect the sleeve-like portion (4) and the expansion body (3) in the unexpanded state and also in the expanded state. According to the invention, the connecting elements (6) are interlockingly connected to the expansion body (3).