Adjustable Sliding Anchor System for Railing Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional picket railing systems face issues with inflexible design, improper installation of foam blockouts, and damage to reinforcing steel due to incorrect placement, leading to safety concerns and reduced service life, especially in high wind zones.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an adjustable sliding anchor system with stainless steel components and high-strength epoxy anchoring, which allows for field adjustment of anchor locations without damaging the concrete structure, and prevents water intrusion, eliminating the need for drilling through reinforcing bars.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed anchor systems are used, then manufacturing and assembly are simplified, but the system lacks adaptability to field conditions and improper foam blockout placement
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor assembly incorporates a sliding mechanism that allows the anchor to move horizontally within the bottom rail along a track. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the anchor to be repositioned in the field to accommodate improper foam blockout placement or varying installation conditions, resolving the contradiction between fixed simplicity and field adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor system is divided into separate components: the anchor post, mounting plate, elevated rails, and bottom rail with track. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of the anchor position along the track while maintaining the structural integrity of each component, enabling adaptability without excessive overall system complexity
2Strength
If drilling through concrete to install anchors, then secure anchoring is achieved, but reinforcing steel is damaged and service life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Foam blockouts are installed in advance during concrete pouring to indicate future anchor locations. The sliding anchor system is designed to work with these pre-positioned blockouts, allowing anchors to be installed by drilling into the foam rather than through reinforcing steel, thereby maintaining both anchoring strength and service life
Solution Approach 2:
The foam blockout serves as an intermediary material that facilitates anchor installation. By drilling into the foam blockout rather than directly into concrete with reinforcing steel, the system achieves secure anchoring while avoiding damage to the steel reinforcement, thus preserving the structure's service life
3Ease of manufacture
If foam blockouts are used to mark anchor locations, then installation is simplified, but improper placement leads to safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding anchor mechanism allows installers to adjust the anchor position along the track in the field. If foam blockouts are improperly placed, the anchor can be repositioned along the track to achieve correct alignment, maintaining both installation ease and reliability by accommodating blockout placement variations
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows change in the positional parameter of the anchor along the track. This parameter adjustment capability enables the anchor to be moved to accommodate variations in foam blockout placement, ensuring reliable installation even when blockouts are not perfectly positioned
4Strength
If traditional rigid anchor systems are used, then structural support is provided, but load distribution is concentrated and stability in high wind zones is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding anchor system provides dynamic adjustment capability that allows optimization of anchor positioning to distribute loads more evenly. Multiple anchors can be positioned along the bottom rail track to create a distributed load path, improving stability in high wind zones while maintaining structural support
Solution Approach 2:
The bottom rail with integrated track serves multiple functions: structural support, load distribution, and anchor positioning guidance. This multi-functionality enables the system to provide both structural strength and improved load distribution for enhanced stability in high wind conditions
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 enhances structural support, prevents corrosion and degradation, ensures safer and longer-lasting installations, and reduces installation costs by avoiding damage to reinforcing steel and allowing for more efficient installation processes.
Implementation Method 1
high-strength epoxy anchoring
Implementation Method 2
improve the distribution of tensile and compressive loads on the entire railings and anchor and anchor system
Implementation Method 3
prevents water intrusion
Data Source
AI summary
An improved picket railing anchor system for multiple picket railings for buildings, balconies, and decks, which can experience different forces being applied by people, objects or hurricane strength winds. The system includes an elongated base member having integral keyways which receive anchor assemblies having mounting plates, elevated rails and a central mounting post that also can elevate the base member to allow for drainage. The anchor assemblies are slidable and can be selectively positioned for easy and secure installation.