Ground Anchor Reinforcement With Expandable Slats for Immediate Load Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing anchoring systems require cement mortar or resin to embed anchor rods in the ground, which is time-consuming and impractical in restricted spaces, and do not allow immediate load transfer.

Innovation Solution

A set of anchor reinforcement comprising a rod with load transfer elements and a tubular element with a pointed end, allowing pressure or impact insertion without soil entry, and slats that expand radially for immediate anchoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If cement mortar or resin is used to embed anchor rods in the ground, then anchoring strength is improved, but installation time increases and immediate load transfer is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanchoring strengthVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the binder (cement mortar or resin) from the anchoring system, replacing it with a purely mechanical anchoring mechanism using expandable elements that transfer load through friction and mechanical interlocking, thereby enabling immediate load transfer without waiting for binder maturation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the chemical bonding mechanism (binder maturation) with a mechanical anchoring mechanism using expandable elements that create immediate mechanical interlocking with the surrounding ground, allowing load transfer to begin immediately upon installation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Strength

If cement mortar is introduced for anchoring, then load transfer capability is improved, but the process becomes impractical in restricted spaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload transfer capabilityVSAvoidease of installation in restricted spaces
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the binder material (cement mortar) from the anchoring process, eliminating the need for mixing, transporting, and injecting materials into restricted spaces, and replacing it with a mechanical expansion system that can be installed using only the anchor rod itself

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The anchor rod performs its own installation function through the expandable elements that self-expand upon insertion, eliminating the need for external binder materials and the complex equipment required to deliver and place them in restricted spaces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If traditional anchoring systems are used, then anchoring is achieved, but aesthetic appearance is compromised by external distribution plates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanchoring reliabilityVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The invention nests the distribution function within the anchor rod itself through internal expandable elements, eliminating the need for external distribution plates and achieving a clean, aesthetic appearance while maintaining full anchoring functionality within the ground

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

Enables immediate load transfer and increased anchoring efficiency without binders, suitable for urgent interventions and restricted spaces, with enhanced mechanical anchoring and aesthetic benefits.

Implementation Method 1

a pointed end that is situated in front of the rod in its insertion direction into the ground and has a diameter greater than the diameter of the tubular element, the pointed end being able to favour the advancement of the anchor reinforcement in its pressure or impact insertion, as well as to prevent the introduction of soil into the tubular element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical barrier: Physical Containment

Implementation Method 2

at least one load transfer element that is fixed to the rod and able to transfer the load into the ground

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

slats that expand radially for immediate anchoring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical anchoring: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP4700178A1Set of anchor reinforcement and means for the installation thereof in the ground
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 OFFICINA DEL PENSIERO SRL
  • EP4700178A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4700178A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4700178A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A set of anchor reinforcement (10) and means (20) for installation thereof in the ground is disclosed in which the anchor reinforcement (10) comprises of a rod (1) and at least one load transfer element (2) that is fixed to the rod (1). The installation means (20) comprises a tubular element (3) having a diameter such as to allow it to contain at least in part the anchor reinforcement (10), and a pointed end (4) that is situated in front of the rod (1) in its insertion direction into the ground and has a diameter greater than the diameter of the tubular element (3). The pointed end (4) is able to favor the advancement of the anchoring reinforcement (10) in its pressure or impact insertion, as well as to prevent the introduction of soil into the tubular element (3).