Deformable Plastic Cast-In Insert for Temporary Anchorage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional metal ferrules are over-engineered and expensive for temporary anchorage applications in corrosive environments or low-load situations, lacking suitable alternatives for providing effective and cost-efficient anchorage in concrete components.
Innovation Solution
A deformable plastic insert with a tubular cavity and external taper, featuring longitudinally tapered fins and internal grooves, which engages a threaded anchorage member and deforms radially inwardly under load, providing a collet-like function to secure the anchorage, optionally enhanced with a metal collar for increased shear resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional metal ferrules are used for temporary anchorage, then strong anchorage is provided, but cost increases and the solution is over-engineered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a plastic insert instead of expensive metal ferrules for temporary anchorage applications. The plastic insert is designed to provide sufficient holding power for temporary purposes (formwork, bracing, signage) without the need for costly stainless steel or cast metal alternatives, effectively replacing durable materials with a cheaper, temporary solution appropriate for the application lifecycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to plastic, and modifies the geometric parameters by incorporating external tapering and internal grooves. The external taper transforms axial withdrawal forces into radial compression forces against the concrete, while internal grooves create jaw-like engagement with the anchorage member, collectively providing adequate strength at reduced cost.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If stainless steel ferrules are used in corrosive environments, then corrosion resistance is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plastic insert provides a cost-effective alternative to stainless steel ferrules in corrosive environments for temporary applications. Since the anchorage is temporary, the insert does not need to withstand long-term corrosion degradation, allowing the use of cheaper plastic materials that would not be suitable for permanent installations but are adequate for the intended temporary service life.
3Reliability
If conventional ferrules are used for temporary anchorages, then anchorage is provided, but the solution is over-engineered and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the insert by incorporating external tapering and internal grooves. The external taper transforms axial withdrawal forces into radial compression forces against the concrete, while internal grooves create jaw-like engagement with the anchorage member. These parameter changes enable a simpler, less complex structure to achieve reliable anchorage performance.
4Ease of manufacture
If a plastic insert is used for temporary anchorage, then cost is reduced, but anchorage strength may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs external tapering on the insert, transforming axial withdrawal forces into radial compression forces against the concrete. This mechanical advantage allows a weaker plastic material to generate sufficient holding power through geometric force transformation rather than relying on material strength alone. The internal grooves further enhance strength by creating jaw-like engagement with the anchorage member.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines plastic material with specific geometric features (external taper, internal grooves, and optionally a metal collar) to create a composite solution that achieves adequate strength. The metal collar, when used, creates a composite structure combining plastic and metal properties, providing enhanced shear resistance while maintaining overall cost effectiveness compared to full metal construction.
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 plastic insert offers a cost-effective, lightweight solution for temporary anchorage in reduced load situations, providing secure retention and resistance to pull-out and vibration, while the metal collar enhances shear resistance and frictional forces.
Implementation Method 1
the insert is formed of deformable plastic material such that said reactional force in turn causes the insert to exert force radially inwardly upon the anchorage member
Implementation Method 2
the insert is externally tapered such that, when the insert is embedded in the concrete component and the anchorage member is threadedly engaged within the tubular cavity, axial loading applied to the anchorage member in a sense to withdraw the anchorage member from the insert causes reactional force from the surrounding concrete to be applied to the insert in a direction radially inwardly of the insert
Implementation Method 3
an internal surface defining the tubular cavity is provided with grooves extending longitudinally of the insert, the grooves defining therebetween a series of angularly spaced surfaces which circumferentially contract onto the anchorage member in jaw-like fashion in response to the reactional force
Implementation Method 4
the metal collar enhances shear resistance and frictional forces
Data Source
AI summary
An insert for embedment in a concrete component during casting, having a tubular cavity for receiving a threaded anchorage member, the tubular cavity having an opening arranged to face outward of the concrete component when cast for insertion of the threaded anchorage member, wherein the insert is externally tapered such that, when the insert is embedded in the concrete component and the anchorage member is threadedly engaged within the tubular cavity, axial loading applied to the anchorage member in a sense to withdraw the anchorage member from the insert causes reactional force from the surrounding concrete to be applied to the insert in a direction radially inwardly of the insert, and wherein the insert is formed of deformable plastic material such that said reactional force in turn causes the insert to exert force radially inwardly upon the anchorage member.