Spring-Loaded Fastening Device for Concrete Embedding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastening devices for attaching objects to concrete structures are either time-consuming to install or prone to accidental detachment, as they require drilling into the concrete and often have hooks that are difficult to engage or release.

Innovation Solution

A fastening device with a housing embedded in the concrete structure, featuring a connecting element that can be moved between a first position for secure attachment and a second position for easy attachment and detachment, utilizing a restoring device like a spring to ensure the object is securely held and easily attached, and a rod for guiding the connecting element's movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a hook is made closed to prevent detachment, then security is improved, but ease of attachment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of unintentional detachmentVSAvoidease of attaching object
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting element is designed to be movable between a closed position (preventing detachment) and an open position (allowing easy attachment). This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction by allowing the hook to adapt its state based on operational needs - closed during use for security, open during installation for ease of attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If drilling holes into concrete structure is used to attach fittings, then secure anchoring is improved, but installation time and cost deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure anchoringVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening device is embedded in the concrete structure during the pouring process itself, before the structure is completed. This preliminary action eliminates the need for subsequent drilling operations, as the housing is already securely positioned and integrated into the concrete when it hardens.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The housing acts as an intermediary element that is embedded in the concrete structure during pouring and provides secure anchoring without requiring post-installation drilling. The housing integrates the connecting element and provides a ready-to-use attachment point once the concrete hardens.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If a connecting element is made movable between positions, then ease of attachment is improved, but device complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of attaching and detaching objectVSAvoidcomplexity of fastening device
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting element is designed to be movable between a closed position (preventing detachment) and an open position (allowing easy attachment). This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction by allowing the hook to adapt its state based on operational needs - closed during use for security, open during installation for ease of attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables simple and quick attachment of objects to concrete structures while preventing unintentional detachment, reducing installation time and ensuring secure anchoring without the need for drilling, by using a spring-loaded mechanism and a rod for guiding the connecting element's movement.

Implementation Method 1

the fastening device (1) further comprises a restoring device (16) that exerts a force on the connecting element (3) to move the connecting element (3) from the second position to the first position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

the restoring device (16) is designed as a spring, in particular as a helical spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHelical spring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP4442918A1Fastening device for connecting an object to a structure and use of such a fastening device
Publication Date: 2024.10.09 WÜEST GEBÄUDETECHNIK GMBH
  • EP4442918A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4442918A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4442918A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A fastening device (1) serves to connect an object (21) to a structure producible from a casting-processable building material, in particular a concrete structure (20), and comprises a housing (2) for embedding in the structure and a connecting element (3) for connecting the object (21) to the fastening device (1). The connecting element (3) is provided at least partially, preferably completely, within an interior formed by the housing (2) and can be moved into a first position in which the object (21) is prevented from detaching from the connecting element (3), and into a second position in which the object (21) can be attached to and/or detached from the connecting element (3), wherein the connecting element (3) is movable from the first position to the second position, and vice versa.