Segmented Expansion Anchor for Mixed Wall Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current expansion anchors are limited in their ability to securely anchor loads of medium to high weight across various types of walls, including both non-compact and compact materials, and lack ease of use and installation.
Innovation Solution
A tubular expansion anchor with a deformable leg comprising coupled segments that can operate in either an expansion mode or a locking mode, allowing it to adapt to different wall types by radially displacing or shortening segments, ensuring secure retention across a range of wall densities and materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a metal tubular body anchor is used, then the anchoring strength for high weight loads is improved, but the adaptability to different wall types (non-compact to compact) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable leg is divided into multiple segments that can independently deform or shorten. This segmentation allows different portions of the anchor to adapt to different wall densities simultaneously, enabling the anchor to function in both non-compact and compact wall materials while maintaining high anchoring strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable leg incorporates dynamic elements that can change their configuration based on the wall type encountered. During installation, the leg transitions from an extended state for non-compact walls to a shortened state for compact walls, allowing the anchor to dynamically adapt its structure to maintain optimal anchoring performance across different wall densities.
2Ease of operation
If a plastic expansion anchor is used, then the ease of installation is improved, but the anchoring strength for medium duty loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor utilizes parameter changes in the deformable leg's physical state during installation. The leg transitions from a flexible, deformable state during insertion to a locked, rigid state after expansion, providing both ease of installation and high anchoring strength. The material properties and geometric parameters of the deformable leg are optimized to enable this transformation.
3Strength
If a metal anchor with conical body is used, then the anchoring strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to complex installation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable leg is designed to automatically deform and lock into position within the wall material without requiring complex manual manipulation or specialized tools. The leg's own elastic properties and geometric configuration enable it to self-deform during installation and self-lock once expanded, significantly simplifying the installation process while maintaining high anchoring strength.
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 anchor provides improved retention and versatility, enabling secure anchoring of loads across diverse wall types, from thin, friable materials to thick, high-density materials like concrete, with enhanced ease of installation and durability.
Implementation Method 1
The deformable leg comprises at least two coupled segments. The movement of the expansion portion of the sleeve along the longitudinal axis causes either: one of the proximal or the distal segment of the deformable leg to get shorter in length in the direction of the longitudinal axis; or both the distal and proximal segments of the deformable leg to retain their length and to be radially outwardly displaced relative to the longitudinal axis.
Data Source
Figure 1(A)~1(B)
Figure 2(A)~2(B)
Figure 2(C)~2(D)
AI summary
The present invention relates to an expansion anchor. The expansion anchor comprises a tubular sleeve, a tightening screw and at least one deformable leg. The tubular sleeve comprises an expansion portion at a distal end and a body portion at a proximal end and expansion tabs attached to the body portion and extending towards the distal end. The tightening screw is configured to move the expansion portion inside the expansion tabs to expand the tabs radially outwardly. The at least one deformable leg comprises at least two coupled segments, a distal segment attached to the expansion portion and a proximal segment attached to the body portion. When the expansion portion of the sleeve moves along a longitudinal axis of the tubular sleeve, this causes either: one of the proximal or the distal segment of the deformable leg to get shorter in length in the direction of the longitudinal axis; or both the distal and proximal segments of the deformable leg to retain their length and to be radially outwardly displaced relative to the longitudinal axis.