Snap-Nut Concrete Anchor Assembly for Reliable Thread Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anchor designs for concrete substrates face reliability challenges due to potential misalignment and incomplete engagement of threads during installation, particularly with split nut concepts, which can lead to insecure fastening of fixtures and fittings.
Innovation Solution
A snap-locking anchor assembly with a base member and support member featuring a tubular guide, reinforcement ribs, and a jaw assembly with a biasing mechanism that ensures proper alignment and engagement of threads only upon sufficient rod insertion, providing a secure and easy-to-install solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a split nut concept is used to accommodate different bolt sizes, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential misalignment and incomplete engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor assembly is divided into two separable components: a base member that remains embedded in the concrete substrate and a support member that is inserted later to receive the rod. This segmentation allows the base member to provide a consistent threaded receptacle while the support member can be precisely aligned during insertion, thereby maintaining adaptability for different rod sizes while improving reliability of thread engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The base member is pre-installed and embedded in the concrete substrate during formwork assembly, before the concrete is poured. This preliminary action ensures that the threaded receptacle is properly positioned and oriented in the substrate, eliminating alignment issues that would occur if the entire anchor assembly were installed after concrete curing. The support member is then inserted into this pre-prepared receptacle, ensuring reliable engagement.
2Ease of operation
If axial insertion is used for easy installation, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability worsens due to inability to verify sufficient insertion depth
Solution Approach 1:
The support member incorporates a visual indicator mechanism that provides immediate feedback to the installer about the insertion depth of the rod. As the rod is inserted axially into the support member, the indicator (such as a flag, color change, or positional marker) transitions to show when the rod has reached the required engagement depth with the threaded receptacle. This maintains the simplicity of axial insertion while adding reliable verification capability.
3Strength
If threaded bore anchor is used for concrete substrate attachment, then strength is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple installation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor system is segmented into a base member with integrated formboard attachment features and a separate support member. The base member can be securely mounted to the formboard using simple mechanical fastening methods during formwork assembly, avoiding complex threaded installations in the concrete substrate itself. The support member is then simply inserted into the pre-positioned base member, reducing overall installation complexity while maintaining attachment strength through the combined system.
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 snap-locking mechanism ensures reliable thread engagement and secure fastening by preventing axial removal of the rod except through rotation, ensuring maximum thread engagement and providing a clear indication of sufficient insertion, thus enhancing installation integrity and user assurance.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member to bias the jaw assembly radially inward
Implementation Method 2
a holding member to prevent axial movement of the rod until the rod engages the release feature
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes an anchor device for receiving and securing a shaft thereto. The device includes an outer housing within which a jaw assembly is secured. The outer housing of the device may in turn be secured to or within a support structure such as a building component. Jaw components of the jaw assembly may be threaded. Furthermore, the jaw assembly has at least two configurations. In a first configuration, at least one jaw component is positioned away from a central shaft axis against the biasing force of a biasing member. A removable or reconfigurable holding member or stop member selectively secures the at least one jaw component in this position. A second configuration is the result of the holding member being reconfigured by the inserted shaft. The shaft triggers movement of the at least one jaw component toward the central shaft axis and into contact with the shaft.