Internal Anchoring Device for Overhanging Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing anchoring systems for overhanging elements like balconies in constructions require temporary scaffolding, leading to increased costs and delayed external facade construction, as they necessitate external support and complex installation processes.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a male and female coupling part with a freely protruding element over 10 cm, allowing internal anchoring without external support, using mechanical coupling means to connect the overhanging element to the construction, enabling prefabricated elements to be securely attached from inside the building, reducing the need for temporary scaffolding and allowing earlier facade completion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing anchoring systems with tie rods and push rods are used, then the overhanging element can be anchored to the construction, but temporary scaffolding is required which increases costs and delays facade construction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanchoring reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The anchoring system is divided into two separate coupling parts: a male coupling part integrated into the overhanging element and a female coupling part integrated into the construction. This segmentation allows each part to be independently prepared and installed, eliminating the need for complex temporary scaffolding and external support structures during anchoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling parts are prepared in advance during the manufacturing or construction process. The male coupling part is pre-integrated into the overhanging element, and the female coupling part is pre-integrated into the construction. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex on-site assembly and temporary support structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If existing anchoring systems are used, then the overhanging element can be secured, but bricklaying of the external facade cannot start until balconies are provided

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanchoring securityVSAvoidconstruction schedule

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling parts are prepared in advance during the manufacturing or construction process, allowing the overhanging element to be anchored as soon as it is ready without delaying facade construction. The male coupling part is pre-integrated into the overhanging element, and the female coupling part is pre-integrated into the construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of anchoring the overhanging element from the outside with temporary scaffolding, the system inverts the approach by providing a female coupling part inside the construction that receives the male coupling part from the overhanging element. This allows anchoring to proceed from the inside out, eliminating the need for external support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Productivity

If prefabricated overhanging elements are used, then production efficiency is improved, but complex mechanical connection is required on site

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprefabrication efficiencyVSAvoidon-site connection ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is segmented into a male coupling part on the overhanging element and a female coupling part on the construction. This segmentation simplifies the on-site connection process to a straightforward insertion and locking operation, maintaining the benefits of prefabrication while eliminating complex assembly requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling parts are designed to self-align and self-lock during the connection process. The male coupling part is guided into the female coupling part and automatically secured through the mechanical coupling means, eliminating the need for complex adjustment or additional fastening operations on site.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of operation

If the freely protruding element is made longer to facilitate connection, then connection ease is improved, but structural integrity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection easeVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The freely protruding element is designed with a length that is sufficient but not excessive - more than 10 cm to ensure easy connection and alignment, but not so long as to compromise structural integrity or create unnecessary leverage forces. This optimal length provides just enough protrusion for reliable mechanical coupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3134586B1Device and method for anchoring an overhanging element to a construction

Publication Date: 2019.05.08 B&R NV

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AI summary

Device for anchoring an overhanging element (B) to a construction (A), which device comprises two coupling parts (2,3), one coupling part of which is suitable to be connected to the overhanging element (B) whereas the other one is suitable to be connected to the construction (A), and whereby the coupling parts (2,3) are provided with mechanical coupling means (6,29) and whereby at least one of the coupling parts (2,3) comprises a freely protruding element (4) whose maximum length is larger than ten centimetres.