Hollow Polymer Anchoring Screw With Chemical Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional anchoring screw systems require a two-step process involving a separate anchoring fixture and screw, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A single-step expanding screw system where the screw itself acts as both screw and anchoring fixture, utilizing a polymer structure with internal reagents that expand via a chemical reaction upon insertion, providing a firm anchoring mechanism without the need for a secondary component.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a two-component anchoring system (separate anchoring fixture and screw) is used, then reliable anchoring is achieved, but the installation process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the anchoring fixture and screw into a single integrated component. The screw body itself contains hollow chambers with encapsulated reagents that, when activated, cause the screw to expand and anchor directly into the material without requiring a separate anchoring fixture. This merging eliminates the two-step installation process while maintaining anchoring reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The screw is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the fastening element and the anchoring device. The integrated design allows the single component to fulfill the roles previously requiring two separate parts, simplifying the system while maintaining functionality.
2Reliability
If a two-step anchoring process is used, then proper anchoring is achieved, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the anchoring fixture and screw into one component with internal reagent chambers, the patent enables a single-step installation process. The screw is inserted directly into the material, and the reagents are activated to cause expansion and anchoring, eliminating the need for a separate anchoring fixture installation step.
Solution Approach 2:
The reagents are pre-encapsulated within the screw body during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation allows the anchoring action to occur immediately upon insertion and activation, eliminating the need for separate preparation steps and accelerating the installation process.
3Reliability
If separate anchoring fixtures are used, then anchoring functionality is achieved, but the number of components and steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the anchoring fixture and screw into a single integrated component. The screw body contains hollow chambers with encapsulated reagents that cause the screw to expand and anchor directly into the material, eliminating the need for a separate anchoring fixture and reducing installation time.
4Device complexity
If conventional screws are used without expansion mechanism, then simple design is maintained, but anchoring strength is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates reagent chambers within the screw body that, when activated, cause chemical reactions leading to expansion of the screw. This parameter change (volume expansion) increases the anchoring strength by creating friction and mechanical interlocking with the surrounding material, while maintaining a relatively simple overall design.
Solution Approach 2:
The screw combines traditional screw materials with encapsulated chemical reagents, creating a composite system that provides both mechanical fastening and chemical expansion for enhanced anchoring strength.
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
Enables a secure, single-step anchoring process with the screw expanding in girth to create a strong frictional interface with the material, eliminating the need for a separate anchoring fixture and simplifying the installation process.
Implementation Method 1
an internal chemical reaction is initiated wherein reagents expand in volume pushing against the shaft walls
Implementation Method 2
The polymer screw expands in girth due to this internal pressure
Implementation Method 3
Once the chemical reaction is complete, the expanded reagents become solidified creating a firm anchoring of the screw within the material
Implementation Method 4
creating a strong frictional interface between anchoring fixture and material
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is an expanding, anchoring screw, made of expandable polymer material. The screw shaft is hollow. After inserting screw in a material, by allowing two reagents to mix in the hollow shaft, and a polymerization chemical reaction to occur, the reagents increase in volume exerting pressure against the inner surface of the hollow shaft, expanding the shaft, and applying greater anchoring force against material in which the screw is inserted.