Reinforced Ceiling Anchor Assembly With Easier Toggle Securing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anchor assemblies for suspending items from ceilings have weight limitations due to the difficulty in securing the movable toggles, which can be challenging to move to a securing position, limiting the weight they can support.
Innovation Solution
An anchor assembly with a body and a reinforcing member, featuring a cover member that cooperates with a securing member to urge it towards a securing position when an insertion device is inserted, and a locking arrangement to secure the insertion device to the anchor, allowing for greater weight capacity by engaging reinforcing members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a movable securing toggle is used in the anchor assembly, then the anchor can be installed in ceilings to suspend items, but it becomes difficult to move the toggle to a securing position, limiting the weight capacity
Solution Approach 1:
A cover member is introduced as an intermediary component between the user and the securing member. The cover member includes an internal surface with an inner region and an outer region that cooperates with the securing member to urge it toward the securing position during insertion, making the operation easier while maintaining high weight capacity through engagement with reinforcing members
2Strength
If the securing member is designed to engage reinforcing members for high weight capacity, then the anchor can support heavier loads, but the device complexity increases due to the need for cover member and internal surface cooperation
Solution Approach 1:
The cover member serves multiple functions: it protects the cavity, guides the insertion device, and through its internal surface geometry, actively urges the securing member to the securing position. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing complexity while achieving high weight capacity through reinforcing member engagement
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).