Reinforced Ceiling Anchor Assembly With Self-Securing Toggle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anchor assemblies for suspending items from ceilings have weight limitations and often face difficulties in securing the movable toggles, making it hard to engage them properly.
Innovation Solution
An anchor assembly with a body and a reinforcing member, combined with an insertion device featuring a movable securing member that engages with a cover member to urge the securing member into a securing position, allowing for enhanced weight-bearing capacity and secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional anchors are used to suspend items from ceilings, then the installation is simple, but the weight-bearing capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor is divided into separate functional components: a body for insertion, a reinforcing member extending through the cavity for structural strength, and a cover member for securing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor combines multiple materials with different properties: the body and cover member provide structural integrity, while the reinforcing member (extending through the cavity) provides enhanced strength. This composite structure increases weight-bearing capacity without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Ease of operation
If movable securing toggles are provided in anchors, then the securing mechanism is flexible, but it is difficult to cause the toggle to move to a securing position
Solution Approach 1:
The cover member is designed to automatically urge the securing member toward the securing position through its geometry and interaction with the reinforcing member. Once inserted, the system self-secures without requiring manual manipulation, improving both ease of operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring active manipulation to engage the toggle, the design inverts the mechanism so that passive insertion automatically drives the securing member into the securing position through the cover member's urging action.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the securing member is made movable between securing and non-securing positions, then the insertion device is adaptable, but the engagement mechanism becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The movable securing member serves multiple functions: it provides adaptability during insertion, enables secure engagement with the reinforcing member, and allows for potential disengagement. This multi-functionality is achieved through a relatively simple geometric design rather than a complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing member transitions from a static to a dynamic component, moving between securing and non-securing positions. This dynamic capability is achieved through a simple geometric design that allows natural movement rather than requiring complex actuation mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An anchor assembly (10) comprises an anchor (12) comprising a body (15) defining a cavity (16). The anchor (12) further comprises a reinforcing member (18) extending through the cavity (16) and outwardly from the body (15). The anchor assembly (10) further includes an insertion device (14) insertable into the cavity (16). The insertion device (14) comprises a securing member (49) movable between securing and non-securing positions. When the movable securing member (49) is in the securing position in the cavity (16), the securing member (49) can engage the reinforcing member (18) to secure the insertion device (14) to the anchor (12).