Radiation-Cured Injection Mortar for Fast Adjustable Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chemical anchors for fastening elements in boreholes face challenges such as long curing times, temperature dependence, limited processing time, and inability to adjust after initial application, due to their reliance on temperature-sensitive resin curing processes.
Innovation Solution
A UV-curable reactive resin composition is used with a radiation source placed within the anchoring area, allowing for rapid curing upon exposure to UV radiation, enabling quick and adjustable fastening independent of temperature, and allowing for storage stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If temperature-sensitive resin curing is used, then the chemical anchor can harden in various temperature conditions, but the curing time becomes long and highly dependent on temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the temperature-dependent chemical curing mechanism with a radiation-induced curing mechanism. The chemical composition is cured by electromagnetic radiation (UV or visible light) instead of relying on thermal energy, thereby substituting a thermal/chemical process with a photonic process that is independent of ambient temperature conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the curing activation parameter from temperature to light exposure. By formulating the chemical composition to be cured by electromagnetic radiation rather than heat, the system achieves rapid curing times that are not influenced by temperature variations, allowing consistent performance across different environmental conditions.
2Loss of time
If fast-hardening chemical anchors are used, then the curing time is short, but the processing time and adjustment correction time are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic, on-demand curing system where the chemical composition remains uncured and adjustable during installation, and only hardens when irradiated. This dynamic control allows the system to transition from a flexible, adjustable state to a rigid, fixed state at the operator's discretion, eliminating the trade-off between fast curing and adjustment time.
Solution Approach 2:
The chemical composition is prepared and installed in the borehole in its uncured, adjustable state before final positioning is achieved. The fastening element can be freely adjusted and repositioned during this preliminary phase, and only after satisfactory positioning is confirmed does the radiation-induced curing begin, locking the element in place.
3Strength
If two-component chemical anchor systems are used, then high strength is achieved, but the processing time is limited and strongly temperature-dependent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the mixing function from the curing function. Instead of requiring immediate mixing of two components that then cure rapidly, the system delivers a pre-formulated single-component chemical composition that remains stable during installation and only cures when exposed to radiation. This segmentation allows independent optimization of handling time and curing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light (electromagnetic radiation) as an intermediary curing mechanism that activates the chemical composition without requiring temperature control or immediate mixing. This intermediary enables the system to maintain high strength performance while eliminating the temperature-dependent processing time constraints of traditional two-component systems.
4Loss of time
If UV-curing is used for coatings and adhesives, then rapid curing is achieved, but the penetration depth is limited to just over a centimeter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs prolonged or intermittent radiation exposure to progressively cure the chemical composition throughout the borehole depth. Rather than relying on a single high-intensity pulse that would be absorbed near the surface, the system uses sustained or repeated irradiation cycles that allow cumulative energy deposition and progressive curing at greater depths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses the penetration depth limitation by changing the spatial configuration of the curing process. Instead of irradiating from a single external point, the system may use multiple radiation sources positioned at different locations within the borehole, or employ radiation that propagates through the chemical composition from multiple directions, thereby achieving uniform curing throughout the entire anchor length.
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
This solution enables rapid, reliable, and adjustable fastening of fasteners in construction and other applications, improving construction efficiency and allowing for use in various weather conditions and complex areas, with high storage stability and quick curing times.
Implementation Method 1
the chemical composition cures upon exposure to electromagnetic radiation
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Injection mortar for anchoring a fastening element (12; 22), containing a chemical composition (16) that can cure in a curing process, and means for initiating the curing process (24; 26, 28; 34), characterized in that the chemical composition cures when irradiated with electromagnetic radiation, the means for initiating the curing process is formed by a radiation source (24; 26, 28; 34) for electromagnetic radiation, and the radiation source is placed within the anchoring zone.