Segmented Expansion Bolt for Multi-Material Wall Anchoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current anchor devices are inadequate for anchoring on diverse types of walls, including those with low-consistency materials like bricks with internal webs and friable materials, as well as compact materials like concrete and natural stone, due to their specific design limitations.

Innovation Solution

A multifunctional anchor device featuring an expansion bolt with an ogival head, longitudinal slots for radial expansion, and a deformable tubular body with anti-rotation features, allowing for effective anchoring on various wall types by increasing friction and minimizing damage through a customizable deformation mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional expansion bolt with a simple tubular structure is used, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to different wall types is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different wall typesVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The expansion bolt is divided into multiple functional segments: an ogival head portion with longitudinal slots for radial expansion, a deformable tubular body portion with transverse slots for lateral expansion, and anti-rotation fins. Each segment performs a specific anchoring function that adapts to different wall material characteristics, thereby achieving versatility without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The expansion bolt incorporates dynamic deformation mechanisms where the tubular body can change shape under loading. The transverse slots allow the tubular body to deform laterally and engage with wall material, providing adaptive anchoring that responds to the mechanical properties of different wall types rather than relying on a fixed rigid structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If an expansion bolt with high expansion force is used, then the anchoring strength is improved, but the damage to the internal surface of the wall increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanchoring strengthVSAvoiddamage to internal surface
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The expansion bolt applies expansion force locally through targeted deformation zones. The ogival head portion with longitudinal slots expands radially to engage with the wall, while the deformable tubular body with transverse slots expands laterally at a different location. This localized expansion approach concentrates anchoring force at specific points rather than uniformly across the entire bolt, reducing overall damage to the wall's internal surface while maintaining strong anchoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If a deformable tubular body with transverse slots is used, then the adaptability to friable and compact materials is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to friable and compact materialsVSAvoidslot positioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The deformable tubular body is segmented with transverse slots at specific positions along its length. These slots create discrete deformation zones that allow controlled lateral expansion at predetermined locations. The segmentation approach simplifies manufacturing by using standard slot-cutting processes at defined positions, rather than requiring complex continuous deformation mechanisms, thereby balancing adaptability with manufacturability.

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 anchor device ensures reliable anchoring on different types of walls by adapting its expansion behavior and reducing damage to the internal surface, enhancing its load-bearing capacity and versatility across diverse structural materials.

Implementation Method 1

a fastening screw (3) inserted in the expansion bolt (2) to cause a plastic deformation of the expansion bolt (2) inside the hole

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Implementation Method 2

ensuring an effective anchoring on different types of walls by increasing friction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP1887230B1An anchor device for anchoring wooden or metal structures to a wall.
Publication Date: 2012.12.26 ITW CONSTR PRODS ITAL S R L CON UNICO SOCIO
  • EP1887230B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1887230B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP1887230B1 patent drawingFigure 4~8

AI summary

An anchor device (1) comprising an expansion bolt (2) and a fastening screw (3) of the bolt (2) to a wall; the bolt (2) comprises a tubular body provided with a hole (27) which extends along the longitudinal axis (A) of the tubular body itself so as to accommodate the fastening screw (3); the tubular body further comprises a central shank (4) and a head (5), which is integrally made with the central shank (4) and comprises a full solid body on which a pair of longitudinal reciprocally perpendicular through slots (7) are made which delimit four anchor segments (8) adapted to spread outwards under the bias of the fastening screw (3).