Force Couple Tool for Anchor Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for applying torque to install earth anchors, such as using human body torque or large vehicles, face safety hazards and inefficiencies, particularly when high torque values are required, and often result in undesired anchor angles and increased friction due to lack of counter-torque and axial force control.
Innovation Solution
The Force Couple Application Tool employs a prime mover, counter-torque arms, and flexible or rigid members to apply a force couple, redirecting counter-torque to external structures and generating axial forces, allowing for compact, efficient, and safe installation and extraction of anchors, with optional torque increasers and remote operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a bar is placed through the eye of the anchor to allow manual torque application, then the installation can be performed with simple equipment, but the operator is exposed to safety hazards and cannot counteract high torque requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reaction arm as an intermediary component that transfers the counter-torque from the operator to a external reaction point. The reaction arm acts as a mediator between the anchor and the operator, allowing the operator to apply torque without directly承受 the full counter-torque load, thereby improving safety while maintaining equipment simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the torque application system into a third dimension by using a reaction arm that projects outward from the anchor axis. This creates a lever arm in a different spatial dimension, allowing the operator to apply force at a distance from the rotation axis, effectively multiplying torque while keeping the operator positioned safely away from the high-stress center
2Force
If force is applied on one side of the anchor eye only to gain additional torque through a longer lever arm, then torque is increased, but bending force is created causing the anchor to progress at an undesired angle and increasing frictional forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning of the reaction arm relative to the anchor eye, where the reaction arm is positioned at an optimal angle to create a force couple that produces pure rotational moment. This asymmetric configuration ensures that the line of action of the applied force does not pass through the anchor axis, creating a moment arm that generates torque without inducing bending moments, thus maintaining the anchor's alignment and reducing friction
3Reliability
If impacting-type drivers are used to reduce counter-torque forces and achieve compact size, then operator safety is improved and device size is reduced, but energy efficiency decreases significantly with much energy creating heat and accelerated wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the impacting mechanical system with a direct torque transmission system using a reaction arm. Instead of using impact forces to drive the anchor, the system uses a lever arm mechanism to directly apply rotational force, eliminating the energy-wasting impact cycle while maintaining operator safety and compact dimensions. This substitution transforms the energy transmission method from inefficient impact loading to efficient direct torque application
4Force
If large tracked vehicles with hydraulically powered equipment are used to achieve high torque values, then the required torque can be achieved, but the equipment becomes bulky and expensive and cannot be easily transported or used in tight confines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the torque generation function into two separate components: a compact prime mover that generates rotational force and a reaction arm that multiplies this force through leverage. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high torque output without requiring a large, heavy vehicle-mounted hydraulic system. The segmented design enables the equipment to be broken down into transportable components while maintaining the capability to generate high torque when assembled at the worksite
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
This solution reduces operator reaction torque, enables efficient and controlled anchor installation and extraction, and provides axial forces, improving safety and efficiency while being compact and cost-effective for handheld use.
Implementation Method 1
flexible or rigid members providing tensile and/or compressive forces which are used to counter the forces in the arms
Implementation Method 2
flexible or rigid members providing tensile and/or compressive forces which are used to counter the forces in the arms
Implementation Method 3
The tool inherently generates axial forces when torque is produced which can be used to an operator's advantage for installation and extraction of components
Implementation Method 4
a prime mover capable of developing the required torque to accomplish the task
Implementation Method 5
counter-torque arms allowing capability of creating a couple
Data Source
AI summary
A device which allows one person to apply torque in the form of a force couple to a product requiring torque to install or operate it. The reaction forces are directed into surrounding structure(s) to decrease or eliminate them from the operator. The tool allows applications of user controllable axial forces to the components to aid in its effectiveness. Targeted for a high torque to size ratio, the tool can be stored in a case which can be transported easily into remote locations where larger equipment of the same capability would be more difficult.