Self-Drilling Expandable Anchor for One-Step Secure Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing expandable anchors and installation tools require drilling a hole before installation, increasing installation time, cost, and reducing ease of use, as they are not self-drilling.
Innovation Solution
The development of self-drilling expandable anchors and tools that include an expandable member, threaded member, hanger, drill head, and friction reducing element, allowing for simultaneous drilling and expansion to secure the anchor to a structure without pre-drilling, using a driver and expandable member engagement sleeve to hold the anchor stationary while rotating the threaded member to expand the anchor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pre-drilled hole is required before installing the expandable anchor, then the installation can be performed with existing anchor designs, but the installation time increases and ease of use decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the drilling function and the expandable anchor installation into a single integrated tool. The drill head is attached to the threaded member, which is connected to the expandable anchor, allowing the user to drill and install the anchor in one continuous operation without requiring separate pre-drilling steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable anchor system is designed to be self-drilling, where the tool creates its own installation path. The drill head drills the hole while the expandable anchor simultaneously prepares to be installed, eliminating the need for separate pre-drilling operations and making the system self-sufficient.
2Ease of manufacture
If a pre-drilled hole is required before installing the expandable anchor, then the existing anchor installation process can be followed, but the installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the drilling operation and anchor installation into a single integrated process. By combining these functions into one tool assembly, the patent eliminates the need for separate drilling equipment and operations, thereby reducing overall installation costs while maintaining efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If the expandable member is rotated during drilling, then the drill head can drill the hole, but the expandable member cannot be held stationary for proper expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The installation tool is divided into distinct functional segments: a drill head for drilling, a threaded member for rotation, and an expandable anchor for anchoring. The drill head can rotate independently to drill the hole, while the expandable anchor remains stationary, allowing each component to perform its specific function without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded member acts as an intermediary between the drill head and the expandable anchor. It transmits rotational motion from the drill to the expandable anchor while allowing the drill head to rotate independently during drilling, and then facilitates the expansion of the anchor when needed.
4Productivity
If the expandable anchor is designed to be self-drilling, then installation time decreases and ease of use increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (drilling, threading, and expansion) into a single integrated anchor assembly. The drill head, threaded member, and expandable anchor work together as one unit, eliminating the need for separate tools and operations, thereby reducing installation time despite the increased complexity of the individual components.
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
This solution significantly reduces installation time, increases ease of use, and lowers costs by enabling direct attachment of items to structures without pre-drilling, while providing a secure and reliable anchoring system.
Implementation Method 1
a friction reducing element positionable on the threaded member between the hanger and the expandable member
Implementation Method 2
the base and the expanded part of the expandable member secure the self-drilling expandable anchor to the structure
Data Source
AI summary
A self-drilling expandable anchor operable with a self-drilling expandable anchor installation tool.