Pre-Pour Construction Anchors for Post-Cure Concrete Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current construction methods require drilling into cured concrete to embed fasteners for electrical, plumbing, and other installations, which is time-consuming and can compromise structural integrity, and involve logistical challenges for multiple contractors.
Innovation Solution
Anchoring apparatuses are mounted within concrete forms before pouring concrete, allowing for easy installation of electrical, plumbing, and safety equipment, with embedded anchors accessible after curing, reducing interference and enhancing organization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fasteners are embedded into cured concrete, then electrical and plumbing installations can be secured, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by embedding the fastener within the concrete form before the concrete is poured and cured. This allows the fastener to be positioned and secured in advance, eliminating the need for time-consuming drilling and installation operations after the concrete has hardened. The fastener is ready for immediate use once the form is removed, significantly reducing installation time and labor requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fasteners are drilled into cured concrete, then equipment can be coupled to structural elements, but the structural integrity of the concrete is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the fastener in the concrete while it is still in form, allowing the concrete to cure around the fastener and bond to it. This creates a unified structural element where the fastener becomes an integral part of the concrete structure, maintaining structural integrity while providing the necessary coupling capability for equipment installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener is designed with segmented components including an expanded portion that anchors within the concrete and a protruding portion that extends outward for equipment coupling. This segmentation allows the fastener to serve dual functions: maintaining structural integrity through the embedded expanded portion while providing adaptability for equipment attachment through the protruding portion.
3Productivity
If multiple contractors install fasteners independently, then each contractor can complete their work, but logistical coordination becomes complex and interference occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal fasteners that can accommodate multiple types of equipment and contractors' needs. The standardized fastener design with consistent dimensions and coupling capabilities allows different contractors (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) to use the same fastener system for their respective installations, eliminating the need for specialized fasteners for each trade and simplifying logistical coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
By pre-installing multiple fasteners at various locations within the concrete form before pouring, the system enables multiple contractors to work independently and simultaneously on different sections of the structure. Each contractor can access and utilize the pre-positioned fasteners without interfering with others' work, as the fasteners are distributed throughout the structure in advance.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, includes securing a component of an anchor apparatus to a board of a form utilized to form a concrete support structure; coupling an anchor of the anchor apparatus relative to the component by engaging a threaded segment of the component with a cooperative threaded segment of the anchor; depositing concrete within the form to create the concrete support structure, the concrete support structure at least partially enclosing the anchor; removing at least a portion of the board of the form; and accessing the anchor through a cavity in the concrete structure formed by the component.