Overhead Drill and Anchor Press for Construction Safety

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for installing anchors overhead in construction require frequent elevation of workers, leading to muscle strain, fatigue, and unsafe conditions due to repetitive manual drilling and anchor setting, resulting in inefficiencies and increased risk of injury.

Innovation Solution

The Overhead Drill and Anchor Press is a mobile mechanism equipped with a telescopic mast, turret-mounted drills, and a controller that allows for automatic or manual operation, enabling the installation of anchors at heights without manual elevation, using a laser for alignment and featuring drills for precise drilling and anchor setting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional manual drilling and anchor installation methods are used overhead, then workers can perform the installation tasks, but workers experience muscle strain, fatigue, and unsafe conditions due to repetitive manual operations and frequent elevation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidmuscle strain and fatigue

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated drilling and anchor installation system. The device uses motorized drills, automated anchor feed mechanisms, and programmable control systems to eliminate repetitive manual drilling and anchor setting operations, thereby reducing worker physical strain and fatigue while maintaining installation capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service through automated operations where the drilling machine automatically positions, drills, and installs anchors without continuous manual intervention. The programmable controller automates the sequence of operations, and the system can operate autonomously at each installation point, reducing the need for workers to repeatedly elevate and perform manual tasks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If workers are frequently elevated to install anchors overhead, then anchor installation can be performed, but time is lost and production decreases due to repeated elevation and descent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidtime lost to elevation and descent

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a vertical dimension solution by using a boom or articulating arm that can extend and position the drilling machine at overhead locations. This allows the equipment to reach elevated surfaces without requiring workers to be repeatedly elevated, as the machine itself operates in the vertical space, eliminating the time loss associated with worker elevation and descent

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate tools are used for drilling and anchor installation, then each function can be performed with specialized equipment, but the complexity of equipment and setup increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidequipment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate tools (drill, anchor installer, alignment devices) into a single integrated overhead drilling and anchor installation system. The combined unit includes a drilling mechanism, anchor feeding system, and installation apparatus all mounted on one platform, reducing the number of separate equipment pieces while maintaining all necessary functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system achieves multi-functionality by incorporating both drilling and anchor installation capabilities in a single device. The universal platform can perform multiple operations (drilling, anchor insertion, torque application) without requiring tool changes or separate equipment, thereby reducing equipment complexity while maintaining functional versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10245715B2Overhead drill and anchor press

Publication Date: 2019.04.02 MERELLO PETER JUSTIN

AI summary

The Overhead Drill and Anchor Press is a single mobile mechanism designed for installation of anchors into a construction surface which is overhead and out of reach of the installer. The overhead drill and anchor press is comprised of these major components: a compartmentalized cart on casters, a telescopic mast, a turret assembly, a controller, an air reservoir tank, a battery, a battery charger, and a DC power supply. The overhead drill and anchor press can execute the anchor installation sequence automatically or manually with a controller that may be hand held, or placed on the hand rail of the cart. The controller is equipped with a digital display of the turret mounted camera for monitoring the process from the ground. The entire assembly of the embodiment is designed to be manually pushed between target locations and sized to fit through standard framed door openings on a construction project.