Internal Anchor System for Concrete Wall Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector systems for cast concrete wall panels to poured concrete foundations require external access, leading to slower and less safe installation, increased exposure to corrosion, and the need for external mortar patching.
Innovation Solution
An anchor system featuring a steel base plate with upwardly projecting concrete reinforcing rods and a tapered channel member that allows for internal installation and alignment of a self-tapping concrete anchor bolt, enabling secure anchoring from the inside surface of the wall panel, reducing exposure to weather, and eliminating the need for epoxy adhesives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If external access is used for anchor installation, then installation can be performed, but installation speed decreases and safety is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor system inverts the conventional approach by providing access from the interior side of the wall panel rather than the exterior side. The channel member extends through the wall panel thickness with its opening facing the interior surface, allowing installers to work from inside the structure. This inversion enables safer and faster installation by eliminating the need to work externally on potentially hazardous foundations.
2Reliability
If external anchor system is used, then anchoring can be achieved, but exposure to corrosion from weather increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor system extracts the vulnerable components (anchor rod, nut, and channel member) from the exterior environment and relocates them to the interior side of the wall panel. By positioning the channel member opening at the interior surface and installing all anchoring components from inside the structure, the system eliminates exposure to weather-induced corrosion while maintaining anchoring reliability.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional anchor system is used, then anchoring can be performed, but exterior mortar patching is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system inverts the installation approach by accessing the anchor components from the interior side of the wall panel. The channel member extends through the panel thickness with its opening facing inward, allowing the entire anchoring process to occur from inside the structure. This eliminates the need for exterior mortar patching since all components are installed and concealed from the exterior surface.
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
Facilitates faster, safer, and more durable installation by allowing internal access, reducing corrosion risks, and eliminating the need for external mortar patching, while providing high tensile strength and quick alignment for secure panel attachment.
Implementation Method 1
A special self-tapping concrete anchor bolt is then extended through the hole in the base plate and threaded into the slightly inclined hole within the concrete foundation
Implementation Method 2
a steel base plate which is positioned adjacent the bottom surface of the wall panel before the wall panel is cast, and a plurality of concrete reinforcing rods have lower ends welded to the base plate
Data Source
AI summary
A cast concrete wall panel is secured to a concrete foundation by an anchor system which includes a steel base plate embedded adjacent the bottom surface of the wall panel and welded to a tapered channel projecting upwardly adjacent the inner surface of the wall panel to define a cavity. Reinforcing bars have bottom ends welded to the base plate and project upwardly into the concrete wall panel, and a hole is formed in the base plate at the bottom of the cavity. The hole receives a self-tapping concrete anchor bolt which is driven into a hole drilled within the foundation at an acute angle less than twelve degrees and preferably about six degrees from vertical. The channel has a removable cap to prevent concrete from entering the cavity during casting of the wall panel and to provide a decorative inside cover for the cavity after installing the anchor bolt.