Nested Friction Bolt Structure for Higher Pull-Out Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Friction bolts tend to slip from the bore when subjected to large forces, and existing solutions like stiff split set bolts increase costs and complicate installation.

Innovation Solution

A radially expandable friction bolt with internal inserts that enhance pull-out resistance, utilizing aligned longitudinal splits to create additional radial pressure on the bore walls, maintaining simplicity and cost-effectiveness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If friction bolts are used to stabilize rock strata, then they are cheap to manufacture and easy to use, but they tend to slip from the bore when large forces are applied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepull out resistanceVSAvoidslip resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the nesting principle by placing an inner tube inside the outer friction bolt tube. The inner tube is inserted into the outer tube such that the outer diameter of the inner tube is substantially the same as or slightly larger than the inner diameter of the outer tube, creating a nested configuration. This nested structure allows both tubes to expand radially together when forced into the bore, generating increased friction forces that prevent slipping while maintaining the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of the friction bolt design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Strength

If pre-filled grout socks are inserted into the friction bolt to improve pull out strength, then the pull out strength increases, but costs increase and the installation process becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepull out strengthVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the extraction principle by removing the complex grout sock component and replacing it with a simpler inner tube structure. Instead of using pre-filled grout socks that require curing and complicated installation, the invention uses a bare inner tube that is simply inserted into the outer tube and then forced into the bore together. This extracts the unnecessary complexity while maintaining the essential function of increasing pull-out strength through radial expansion and friction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Strength

If the inner tube exterior contacts the interior of the outer tube, then pull out resistance is enhanced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepull out resistanceVSAvoidfit tolerance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the local quality principle by specifying that the inner tube's outer diameter should be substantially the same as or slightly larger than the outer tube's inner diameter at the contact region. This creates a localized interference fit that generates sufficient friction for pull-out resistance without requiring extremely tight tolerances along the entire length of both tubes. The aligned longitudinal splits allow both tubes to expand radially together, creating the necessary contact pressure locally where needed while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

The solution provides enhanced pull-out resistance without additional installation steps or resin use, ensuring stability and cost-effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

the tube being radially expandable... force to compress the first tube and the insert to create radial pressure on the walls of the bore

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

anchoring the rock bolt inside the bore by friction forces... enhanced pull-out resistance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

the tube becomes compressed so that the external surface of the tube engages the internal surface of the bore... create radial pressure on the walls of the bore

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadial expansion: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12595736B2High capacity rock bolt
Publication Date: 2026.04.07 FCI HOLDINGS DELAWARE LLC
  • US12595736B2 patent drawing
  • US12595736B2 patent drawing
  • US12595736B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A friction bolt (10) includes a first generally circular tube (12) having an internal diameter and defining a longitudinal split, the tube being radially expandable. The bolt has a first leading end (16) for insertion into a borehole (50), a second end defining a head (18), and a second generally circular tube defining a longitudinal split and having an external diameter which is substantially the same as or larger than the internal diameter of the first generally circular tube. The second tube is located inside the first tube (12) with an exterior of the second tube in contact with the interior of the first tube (12). The friction bolt (10) is installed in a rock face (80) using standard friction bolt (10) installation equipment and methods.