Swiveling Expansion Bolt for Tool-Free Removal Under Cross-Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing expansion bolts and concrete anchors are either permanently fixed or require tools for removal, lacking a reusable and easily removable design that can handle varying loads and cross-loading conditions effectively.
Innovation Solution
A modular expansion bolt with radially spreadable elongate elastic members and a pivot and swivel mechanism, allowing for elastic expansion and contraction, and featuring a biasing member like a spring or cam for secure anchoring and easy removal, along with a tethering ring for versatile attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If expansion bolts are designed to be permanently fixed or require tools for removal, then anchoring strength is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion bolt incorporates a dynamic expansion mechanism where the expansion members can be actively expanded and contracted. The biasing member automatically maintains expansion force without requiring tools, enabling easy removal while preserving anchoring strength during use
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member (spring or cam mechanism) automatically maintains the expansion force against the hole surface. The system self-regulates the expansion pressure, eliminating the need for external tools to maintain or adjust anchoring strength, while allowing simple removal by reversing the expansion action
2Ease of operation
If expansion bolts are designed for easy removal without tools, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic expansion mechanism ensures that the expansion members maintain constant contact pressure against the hole surface through the biasing member. This dynamic adjustment prevents slippage and maintains reliable grip, while the same mechanism allows tool-free removal when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member (spring or cam) provides beforehand cushioning by continuously applying expansion force to compensate for any movement or deformation. This pre-applied force prevents slippage under load, ensuring reliable grip before problems occur, while maintaining ease of removal
3Strength
If expansion bolts use rigid structures, then strength is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion members are designed as flexible elastic members that can bend and deform to accommodate cross-loading conditions. These flexible members maintain structural strength while adapting to various load directions and hole surface irregularities, providing both strength and versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic expansion mechanism allows the structure to adapt to different loading conditions. The biasing member continuously adjusts the expansion force, enabling the expansion bolt to handle cross-loading conditions effectively while maintaining structural integrity through the elastic deformation of the expansion members
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 secure anchoring under axial loads and easy removal without tools, while providing flexibility to handle cross-loading conditions and support workers in construction, with the ability to be reused without permanent deformation.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member, such as a spring or cam, adapted for applying elastic force to the elongate elastic members
Implementation Method 2
allowing for elastic expansion and contraction, and featuring a biasing member like a spring or cam for secure anchoring and easy removal
Data Source
AI summary
An expansion bolt and pivot and swivel mechanism therefor. The expansion bolt may have a base and a plurality of radially spreadable elongate elastic members cantileveredly projecting from the base at respective points of joinder to the base and terminating in respective spoons at respective points of joinder of the spoons, wherein the elongate elastic members have respective radially defined thicknesses at the points of joinder to the base that are substantially less than the corresponding thicknesses of the base, and respective radially defined thicknesses at the points of joinder of the spoons that are substantially less than the corresponding thicknesses of the spoons. The pivot and swivel mechanism may have a ring element that includes two spaced apart leg members having foot portions that turn to extend toward each other, the foot portions having respective, spaced-apart relatively enlarged ends; a swivel housing element having an open end for receiving and at least partially containing the ends of the foot portions so that the ring element can be substantially freely rotated about a pivot axis; and a capping element adapted for interlocking with the open end of the swivel housing element, the capping element having a bottom surface portion of radial symmetry about a swivel axis that is distinct from the pivot axis.