Rod-Shaped Pull-Out Testing Device for Fasteners

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dowel testing devices for assessing the pull-out strength of fasteners in buildings are complex to assemble, require difficult access for operation, lack easy calibration, and do not allow for straightforward verification of measurements without manual recording, especially in hard-to-reach areas like high ceilings.

Innovation Solution

A device featuring rod-shaped tension and support elements with a single-point support and trigger mechanism, allowing for remote attachment and operation, simplified calibration, and integrated measuring units for accurate pull-out strength testing without the need for scaffolding or ladders, with optional electronic data logging and marking capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multi-point support devices are used for testing fastening elements, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and assembly difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepull-out strength measurement accuracyVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate functional components: a rod-shaped element for attachment to the fastening element, a separate support element that can be positioned independently, and a measuring unit. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies assembly compared to integrated multi-point support systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The measuring unit is extracted as a separate component that can be attached to the rod-shaped element, rather than being integrated into a complex multi-point support structure. This extraction simplifies the overall device while maintaining measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Measurement precision

If traditional dowel testing devices are used, then pull-out strength can be measured, but operator access to testing location becomes difficult in high ceiling areas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepull-out strength measurementVSAvoidoperator accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support element provides a stable reference point in space, allowing the rod-shaped element to extend vertically to high ceiling areas while the operator remains on the ground. This dimensional separation between the support structure and the operator improves accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The rod-shaped element acts as an intermediary between the fastening element on the ceiling and the measuring unit held by the operator on the ground. This intermediary allows force transmission and measurement without requiring direct operator contact with the high ceiling location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If screw spindle measuring units are used, then pull-out strength can be determined, but calibration becomes difficult for different applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepull-out strength determinationVSAvoidcalibration ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The measuring unit is designed as a universal component that can be attached to different rod-shaped elements and used for various fastening element types. This universality allows the same measuring unit to be calibrated once and reused across multiple applications, unlike application-specific screw spindle units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device allows for easy adjustment of geometric parameters (rod length, support position) without changing the measuring unit itself. This separation of geometric parameters from measurement parameters simplifies calibration, as the measuring unit can remain fixed while adapting to different testing scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If individual fastening elements are checked before suspension attachment, then safety is improved, but testing time and labor increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening element safety verificationVSAvoidtesting speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The device enables a single operator to perform the complete testing procedure independently without requiring assistance for positioning or operation. This self-service capability maintains safety verification while improving testing speed by eliminating coordination requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The rod-shaped element can be pre-attached to the fastening element before the actual pull-out test is performed. This preliminary attachment simplifies the testing process and allows for faster execution while maintaining thorough safety verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4467950A1Device for testing the pull-out resistance of fastening elements
Publication Date: 2024.11.27 LINDNER SE
  • EP4467950A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4467950A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4467950A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Device (10) for testing the pull-out strength of fastening elements (2), in particular anchors for ceiling suspensions (20) of buildings or similar structures, comprising a tension element (1) for detachable attachment to the side of the suspension (20) or the fastening element (2) and a support element (3) for support against a ceiling (30), wall or floor of a building, wherein the tension element (1) and the support element (3) are coupled to each other in a pull-out direction F of the fastening element (2) in a relatively adjustable manner, and a measuring unit (4) for measuring a tensile force on the fastening element (2) is attachable or provided, wherein the tension element (1) and the support element (3) are provided in the form of at least one rod-shaped element with a longitudinal direction parallel to the pull-out direction F and with a distal end D and a proximal end P.at the distal end D a clip-on test holder (8) and a particularly single-point support (7) are provided, and at the proximal end P a release element for testing by a user remote from the fastening element (2) is provided.