Metal Deck Anchor Insert With Reversible Radial Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cast-in-place anchors with automatic and irreversible radial expansion members are difficult to remove and reposition, requiring access from the underside of metal decking, making it challenging to selectively and reversibly secure and disengage the anchors.
Innovation Solution
A cast-in-place concrete anchor assembly with a radially expandable member that can be selectively activated and reversed, allowing easy installation and removal by telescopic engagement and disengagement, using a shaft with a connection member and a deck support flange that traps the hole between the base support flange and the expansion member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If an automatic and irreversible radial expansion member is used to secure the anchor to the metal decking, then the anchor is firmly secured to the decking, but the anchor becomes difficult to remove and reposition
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion member is designed to transition from a static, irreversible expansion to a dynamic, reversible system. The cam mechanism allows the expansion member to be actuated into an expanded state for securing the anchor, and then reversed back to a retracted state for easy removal, making the system adaptable to different operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism is pre-configured to automatically actuate the expansion member during the installation process. When the anchor is inserted, the cam mechanism automatically drives the expansion member into the expanded state to secure the anchor to the decking, eliminating the need for separate expansion steps and ensuring proper securing action is taken beforehand.
2Ease of manufacture
If access from the underside of the metal decking is required to remove the anchor, then the anchor can be securely installed from the upper side, but the removal process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism serves multiple functions: it automatically actuates the expansion member during installation from the upper side, and it also enables reversal of the expansion member from the upper side for removal. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate access requirements for installation and removal, streamlining both operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring access from the underside for removal, the system inverts the approach by enabling removal from the upper side where installation occurs. The cam mechanism can be actuated in reverse from the upper side to retract the expansion member, allowing removal without needing to access the underside of the decking.
3Productivity
If the radial expansion member is automatically activated during installation, then the installation process is simplified, but the expansion cannot be selectively reversed for repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static, one-way expansion mechanism to a dynamic, reversible system. The cam mechanism maintains automatic activation during installation for high productivity, but also allows selective reversal through controlled actuation in the opposite direction, enabling repositioning when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism provides mechanical feedback that allows the operator to control the expansion and retraction of the expansion member. During installation, the cam automatically drives expansion; during repositioning, the operator can apply reverse force to the cam to retract the expansion member, providing feedback-based control for both automatic and selective operations.
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 secure and reversible anchoring to metal decking from the opposite side, facilitating easy repositioning and removal of anchors without needing access from the lower floor, improving installation efficiency and accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
a radially expandable member. Actuation of the radially expandable member occurring as a result of the shaft of the anchor housing engaging the expansion member during the telescopic receiving to lock the assembly to the hole by trapping the hole between the base support flange and the expansion member
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A cast-in-place concrete anchor assembly for installation in or on a metal decking form. The assembly incudes an anchor housing with shaft extending from a flange. The flange includes a locking member that may take the form of a female thread. The anchor assembly also including an anchor support for receiving a shaft of the anchor housing. The anchor support further includes a radial expansion member with a tapered surface. The radial expansion member flexes outward upon engagement of the tapered surface by the shaft to expend the expansion member. The expansion member expanding outwardly past an outermost radius of a hole in the metal decking to lockably and selectively connect the assembly to the metal decking.