Formwork Anchor Nut Locking for One-Sided Axial Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing formwork anchors lack a reliable mechanism for securing the anchor nut against rotation while allowing axial adjustment, which is essential for maintaining the distance between formwork elements during concrete pouring, especially when access is limited to one side.
Innovation Solution
A formwork anchor with an anchor rod featuring an external thread and a rotation locking element that can be axially moved to engage or disengage a positive coupling with the anchor nut, ensuring rotational fixation or axial adjustability as needed, utilizing a non-circular cross-section and complementary parts like spur teeth or slots for secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the anchor nut is designed to be rotatable on the anchor rod for axial adjustment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of securing the formwork elements at a fixed distance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements a dynamic locking mechanism where the anchor nut can transition between a locked state (preventing rotation) and an unlocked state (allowing rotation for axial adjustment). The positive coupling mechanism with disengageable locking elements enables this dynamic behavior, allowing the operator to switch between securing and adjusting functions as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational state parameter of the anchor nut from continuously rotatable to selectively lockable. By introducing a locking mechanism that can be engaged or disengaged, the system transforms the anchor nut's behavior between two distinct states: locked (for reliable positioning) and unlocked (for easy adjustment), thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If a positive coupling mechanism is added to secure the anchor nut against rotation, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the locking function with the existing anchor nut structure by integrating the positive coupling mechanism directly into the anchor nut body. The locking elements are incorporated as part of the anchor nut's internal structure, eliminating the need for separate locking components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable rotational fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The positive coupling mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through axial movement of the anchor nut. When the anchor nut is axially displaced, the locking elements automatically engage or disengage based on the relative position, eliminating the need for additional control mechanisms or complex actuation systems. This self-service approach maintains reliability while minimizing added complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the anchor nut can be easily adjusted axially through rotation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the loss of time for securing the formwork elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements preliminary action by pre-positioning the locking elements in a ready-to-engagement state. The positive coupling mechanism is designed so that locking occurs automatically or with minimal action immediately after axial adjustment, eliminating the need for separate locking steps and reducing the time required to secure the formwork elements while maintaining ease of adjustment.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention proposes to secure an anchor nut (3) of a formwork anchor (1) for connecting two formwork elements with a positive locking coupling (6) that can be axially engaged with it against unintentional rotation on an anchor rod (2).