Screw Foundation Star-Tooth Interface for High Torque Anchoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing screw foundations have limited torque transmission capability, making them unsuitable for certain soil conditions and large penetration depths.

Innovation Solution

The rear tubular end of the screw foundation is formed radially from the outside with a star-shaped contour featuring internal and external teeth, allowing for a rotationally fixed connection with a screw-in tool, and can be manufactured in multiple parts for enhanced torque transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the rear end of the tube is formed by die rolling with a conventional contour, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the torque transmission capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque transmission capabilityVSAvoidforming process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of forming the contour from the inside out using a mandrel, the patent forms the contour from the outside in by radially pressing the rear end of the tube from the exterior. This inversion of the forming direction enables the creation of a star-shaped contour with internal and external teeth that provides superior torque transmission capability while avoiding the complexity of internal counter-forms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Strength

If the screw foundation is made as a single piece, then the structure is simple, but the torque transmission and load capacity are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload capacityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the screw foundation into multiple segments or sections along its length, with each section having identical star-shaped contours at their rear ends. These segments can be manufactured separately and then assembled together, enabling the creation of a multi-part screw foundation with enhanced torque transmission capability and load capacity while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

The star-shaped contour enables high torque transmission, ensuring effective anchoring in various soil conditions and penetration depths, with optional extension elements for increased load capacity.

Implementation Method 1

the rear tubular end of the first tube is formed radially from the outside without an internal counter-form such that the contour is star-shaped, having internal and external teeth

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadial forming: Cold-forming

Implementation Method 2

The external and internal serrations serve for a rotationally fixed connection with a screw-in tool having a complementary serration contour

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

The star-shaped contour allows for the transmission of high torques, enabling screwing into substrates with various soil conditions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical interlocking: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 4

a thread-like outer contour for screwing into the subsoil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThreaded fastening: Screw

Implementation Method 5

the longer or shorter threaded outer contour displaces and compacts the subsoil material during screwing, thus improving the anchoring of the screw foundation in the subsoil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompaction: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP4437203B1Method for producing a screw foundation
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 WINKELMANN FOUND SCREW SP ZOO
  • EP4437203B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4437203B1 patent drawingFigure 4~7
  • EP4437203B1 patent drawingFigure 8~10

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for producing a screw foundation (1) for fastening elements in an underlying surface, in which method at least one first cylindrical tube (5) is provided as a first initial shape and at least regions of the first tube (5) are provided, adjacent to a front insertion end (1b), with a thread-like outer contour (4) for screwing into the underlying surface, wherein a contour (2) for a screwing-in tool is moulded into a rear end (1a) of the first tube (5) by means of a forming process. According to the invention, the rear tubular end (1a) of the first tube (5) is radially moulded from the outside without an inner counter mould in such a way that the contour (2) is formed in a star shape with internal and external toothing (2a, 2b).