Snap-Nut Concrete Anchor Assembly for Shaft Alignment Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anchor designs for concrete substrates face reliability challenges due to potential misalignment and incomplete collapse of split nut components during installation, affecting the integrity of the anchor.
Innovation Solution
A base member with a main guide and reinforcement members, combined with a support member featuring a bore assembly and holding member, transforms between configurations to ensure proper alignment and secure engagement of threaded shafts, utilizing a snap-lock mechanism to prevent axial movement and ensure secure fastening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a split nut design is used to accommodate different bolt sizes, then versatility is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential misalignment and incomplete collapse of components
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is divided into separable bore portions that can be forced apart radially and then biased back together to engage different sized bolts, providing versatility while maintaining alignment through the guiding mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
A guiding mechanism (main guide with reinforcement members) is introduced as an intermediary between the bore portions and the installation process, ensuring proper alignment and preventing misalignment during the forcing apart and collapsing back together of the bore portions
2Manufacturing precision
If a guiding mechanism with reinforcement members is added, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The main guide and reinforcement members are pre-installed on the form board before concrete pouring, establishing the alignment framework in advance to guide the subsequent installation of the support member and ensure precise positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding mechanism combines rigid components (main guide, reinforcement members) with the concrete substrate itself, creating a composite structure that provides precise alignment while distributing structural requirements across different materials
3Reliability
If a snap-lock mechanism is implemented, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to required axial force
Solution Approach 1:
The bore portions transition from a static separated state to a dynamic collapsing motion when axial force is applied, then lock into a secure engaged position, providing both ease of installation through simple axial motion and reliable engagement through the snap-lock mechanism
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 solution enhances the reliability and ease of installation by providing a snug fit and secure locking mechanism, ensuring proper alignment and complete engagement of threads, thus preventing inadvertent disassembly and deformation.
Implementation Method 1
a bias member for biasing the female threaded bore portion toward the longitudinal axis
Implementation Method 2
a holding member for preventing the bias member from moving the female threaded bore portion toward the longitudinal axis
Implementation Method 3
the threads of which selectively engage threads of the shaft
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
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 its position. In as second configuration, the holding member is reconfigured by the inserted shaft to trigger movement of the at least one jaw component toward the central shaft axis and into contact with the shaft.