One-Piece Plastic Anchor for Tie Rod Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for anchoring tie rods in concrete formwork require complex assembly, are costly, and protrude beyond the concrete surface, hindering finishing processes, while not accommodating tie rods of varying diameters efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece plastic device with a guide tube and support plate, featuring a membrane-covered upper end and an internally threaded lower end, allowing snap-fastener attachment to reinforcement bars without tools, and accommodating different diameter tie rods through interchangeable inserts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple individual parts (support plate, guide, anchor means) are assembled to create the anchoring device, then the device can be adjusted and positioned on reinforcement, but additional assembly costs and time are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the support plate, guide tube, and anchor means into a single integrated plastic component molded in one piece. This merging eliminates the need for separate assembly of multiple parts while retaining the functional capabilities of positioning and anchoring the tie rod.
Solution Approach 2:
The single plastic component performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides support surface for positioning, contains the guide tube for angular alignment, and incorporates the anchor means for concrete anchoring. This multi-functionality in one component reduces complexity while maintaining operational versatility.
2Reliability
If traditional anchoring devices are used, then anchoring functionality is provided, but protruding parts hinder concrete finishing (taloching) processes
Solution Approach 1:
The guide tube is designed with its upper end closed by a membrane that is broken through by the tie rod during insertion. This extraction of the protruding guide tube portion after anchoring allows the concrete surface to be finished smoothly without obstructions, while the anchoring function remains intact.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed in advance with the guide tube extending beyond the support plate, but the membrane closure is positioned to be broken during installation. This preliminary design allows the protrusion to serve its guidance function during anchoring, then be removed to enable smooth concrete finishing.
3Ease of manufacture
If a fixed-size anchor is used, then the device can be manufactured simply, but tie rods of different diameters cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor means is designed with adjustable characteristics - the plastic component can accommodate different tie rod diameters through its flexible membrane and adjustable anchor geometry. This dynamic adaptability allows a single manufactured component to serve multiple tie rod sizes without requiring separate fixed-size anchors for each diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows variation in the anchor parameters (such as the diameter of the anchor opening and the dimensions of the threaded portion) while maintaining the same basic molded structure. This enables accommodation of different tie rod diameters through parameter adjustment rather than requiring completely different anchor designs.
4Strength
If metal components are used for anchoring, then strength is provided, but rust damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a plastic composite material that combines the advantages of both metal and non-metal materials. The plastic provides corrosion resistance while incorporating embedded metal threads or ribbed structures that provide the necessary anchoring strength. This composite approach eliminates rust damage while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The plastic anchor component is designed as a disposable element that provides sufficient strength for the anchoring function without the long-term durability concerns of metal. While metal provides superior strength, the plastic anchor is engineered to provide adequate strength for concrete anchoring while eliminating corrosion issues, accepting that it may be replaced rather than maintained.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A device for precisely positioning and anchoring a tension rod (1) comprises a support plate (5) for placing and aligning the device on a reinforcement (23), a guide tube (7) connected to the support plate (5), and threaded elements (17) for screwing in the tension rod (1) which is provided with a threaded section (19). Markings (35) or predetermined breaking lines are formed on the tube section of the guide tube (7) that lies above the support plate (5).