Pivoting Anchor Plate Joint for Buckling Masonry Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anchor plate systems fail to maintain flush contact with masonry walls that are buckling or leaning, leading to uneven force distribution and potential cracking, as they are rigidly installed and cannot adjust to changes in the wall's orientation over time.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring an anchor plate with a jointed connection to a tensioning element, allowing the anchor plate to incline independently and maintain flush contact with the masonry wall, utilizing a ball and socket joint mechanism to accommodate changes in the wall's position due to damage, time, or weather.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an anchor plate is rigidly installed vertically on a masonry wall, then the installation is simple and the anchor plate provides initial reinforcement, but the anchor plate cannot maintain flush contact with the wall as the wall buckles or leans over time, leading to uneven force distribution and cracking
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor plate is transformed from a static rigid structure to a dynamic adjustable one by incorporating an adjustable mechanism that allows the plate to change its angle of installation. This enables the anchor plate to adapt to wall buckling and leaning over time while maintaining flush contact and even force distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The installation angle parameter of the anchor plate is made variable rather than fixed. The adjustable mechanism allows the angle to be modified after installation, enabling the anchor plate to compensate for wall deformation and maintain optimal contact conditions throughout the wall's service life.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If an anchor plate is installed on a leaning wall, then reinforcement is provided initially, but the rigid anchor plate creates asymmetrical forces as the wall continues to lean, increasing the buckle and requiring replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable mechanism transforms the anchor plate from a static component to a dynamic one that can adapt to changing wall conditions. This allows the anchor plate to maintain uniform force distribution even as the wall leans further over time, extending the reinforcement's effective lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable mechanism enables the anchor plate to self-adjust to wall deformation without requiring external intervention or replacement. The plate automatically compensates for leaning and buckling, maintaining its reinforcement function throughout the wall's service life.
3Ease of manufacture
If a rigid anchor plate is used on a buckling wall, then the installation is straightforward, but uneven force application causes cracking that enables water penetration and wall failure
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable mechanism adds the capability for post-installation adjustment, allowing the anchor plate to adapt to wall buckling. This prevents uneven force distribution and the resulting cracks that would lead to water penetration, while maintaining relatively simple installation procedures.
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 system ensures continuous, balanced force application to the masonry wall, preventing further buckling and cracking, and maintaining structural integrity even as the wall moves or leans, thereby extending its lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
The anchor plate and the tensioning element are interconnected by a jointed connection that enables the anchor plate to incline independently from the tensioning element
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for reinforcing a masonry wall. An anchor plate is provided that is biased against the masonry wall using a tensioning element. The tensioning element extends through the wall and is anchored inside of the building. The anchor plate and the tensioning element are interconnected by a jointed connection that enables the anchor plate to incline independently from the tensioning element while the tensioning element biases the anchor plate against the masonry wall. This enables the anchor plate to remain flush against a masonry wall that is buckled or otherwise inclined. The jointed connection also enables the anchor plate to remain in flush contact with the masonry wall should the wall move due to damage, time, temperature and/or weather.