Field-Resizable Slab Anchor Using Cut-to-Length Pipe

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing slab anchors require multiple sizes to accommodate different concrete slab thicknesses, leading to inventory complexity and potential delays due to the need for various sizes on construction sites, as they cannot be easily resized in the field.

Innovation Solution

A field-resizable slab anchor system using cut-to-length pipe, such as PVC, which allows adjustment by inserting the pipe between subassemblies, enabling a single stocked size to accommodate any slab thickness, with components like a coil, coil protector screw, and base ensuring consistent maximum load capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sizes of slab anchors are stocked to accommodate different slab thicknesses, then all slab thickness requirements can be met, but inventory complexity increases and contractors must manage multiple sizes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of different slab thicknessesVSAvoidinventory complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The slab anchor is divided into three separable components: a top assembly, a bottom assembly, and a pipe section. The pipe section can be cut to different lengths to match various slab thicknesses, while the top and bottom assemblies remain standardized. This segmentation allows a single type of anchor kit to serve multiple slab thickness requirements without increasing inventory complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The anchor height is made adjustable and dynamic rather than fixed. By allowing the pipe section length to vary based on the specific slab thickness requirement, the same anchor design can adapt to different applications. This dynamic adjustment eliminates the need to stock multiple predetermined anchor sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sizes of slab anchors are kept on hand, then any slab thickness can be accommodated, but the variety of sizes needed increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverange of slab thicknesses accommodatedVSAvoidnumber of different anchor sizes

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

A single universal anchor design with adjustable height accommodates multiple slab thickness requirements. The standardized top and bottom assemblies combined with a customizable pipe section create a multi-functional anchor that can be configured for any slab thickness within the pipe's adjustable range, replacing the need for multiple specialized anchor sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The key parameter that changes is the pipe section length, which can be cut to match the specific slab thickness. By making this one parameter variable while keeping all other anchor parameters standardized, the system can accommodate a wide range of slab thicknesses without requiring multiple different anchor designs or sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If slab anchors are designed for specific slab thicknesses, then proper fit is ensured, but last-minute discovery of incorrect size causes construction delays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanchor-to-slab fit precisionVSAvoidconstruction delays

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The pipe section is cut to the required length before installation, allowing contractors to prepare the correct anchor size in advance. This preliminary sizing action ensures that when the anchor is installed, it will fit the slab thickness perfectly, eliminating last-minute discoveries of incorrect sizes and preventing construction delays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Device complexity

If a single anchor size is stocked, then inventory management is simplified, but the anchor cannot accommodate different slab thicknesses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinventory management simplicityVSAvoidaccommodation of various slab heights

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The anchor design incorporates a dynamic element in the form of the pipe section, which can be cut to different lengths. This dynamic adjustment capability allows a single standardized anchor kit to adapt to various slab thicknesses, maintaining inventory simplicity while achieving versatility across different applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11306482B1Field-resizable slab anchor that uses cut-to-length pipe

Publication Date: 2022.04.19 BENNETT BRENT

AI summary

A slab anchor that is resizable in the field to accommodate different thicknesses of slabs. The anchor may have a top assembly and a bottom assembly that are joined by pipe such as widely available PVC pipe. A contractor can simply determine the desired width of the slab (which determines the height of the anchor) and cut a PVC pipe to the length necessary to make a slab anchor of the needed height. This system allows contractors to keep on hand only a single type of slab anchor, and to customize this anchor easily at the last minute for each slab. The top assembly of the anchor may have a coil that a fastener screws into after the concrete is poured; a coil protector screw may be placed into the coil during pouring so that concrete does not fill the coil, and removed thereafter to install the fastener.