Threaded Anchor Adapter With Sealed Sensor Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for connecting a solid anchor system to a data handling system are complex, expensive, and unreliable under harsh environmental conditions.

Innovation Solution

An adapter system comprising a first sleeve assembly with an internal thread and a second sleeve assembly with electrical connections, allowing for a rotatable and sealed connection between a solid anchor system and a data handling system, ensuring reliable electrical contact and environmental protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complex sensor-based hollow rod systems with multiple layers and sealed housings are used, then reliability under harsh environmental conditions is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability under harsh environmental conditionsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter is divided into two separate sleeve assemblies: a first sleeve assembly that screws onto the anchor and a second sleeve assembly that contains the electrical connections. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter acts as an intermediary component between the solid anchor system and the data handling system. It provides the necessary electrical connection and environmental protection without requiring the anchor itself to be complex, thus simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If complex sensor-based hollow rod systems with multiple layers and sealed housings are used, then reliability under harsh environmental conditions is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability under harsh environmental conditionsVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the adapter into two separate sleeve assemblies, each component can be manufactured using simpler, more cost-effective processes. The first sleeve assembly can be produced as a standard threaded component, while the second sleeve assembly with electrical connections can be manufactured separately and assembled, reducing overall manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter provides a cost-effective solution by using simpler materials and construction methods compared to the expensive hollow rod systems. The sleeve assemblies can be made from standard metals or plastics with basic sealing, significantly reducing material and manufacturing costs while maintaining sufficient reliability for the application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If sealed housings with viewing openings and covers are used to prevent moisture ingress, then protection against environmental factors is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against moisture and dustVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sleeve assemblies use flexible sealing elements such as O-rings or gaskets to prevent moisture and dust ingress. These thin film seals provide effective environmental protection without requiring complex sealed housings with viewing openings and covers, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining protection against harmful factors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP4703557A1Adaptor for rock or building anchor system
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 MONTANUNIV LEOBEN
  • EP4703557A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4703557A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4703557A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3E

AI summary

An adapter (20) for at least electrically connecting a solid anchor system (11), in particular a rock or stone or building anchor system, with a data handling system (30) is described, wherein the solid anchor system (11) has an anchor (12) for at least partial insertion into the solid and at least one sensor (13), wherein the anchor has at least at an end part (14) of the anchor (12) that is not to be inserted into the solid an external thread (15) and electrical contact areas (16) of the sensor (13), wherein the adapter has: a first sleeve assembly (23) with internal thread (24) for screwing onto the external thread (15) of the anchor (12), in particular from the end part of the anchor that is not to be inserted into the solid;a second sleeve assembly (25) having electrical connections (26) exposed in an interior (27) of the second sleeve assembly (25) to contact the electrical contact areas (16) on the armature (12) in a state installed on the armature; wherein the first sleeve assembly (23) is rotatable relative to the second sleeve assembly (25) in a state not installed on the armature and wherein the interior (27) is sealed against the surrounding medium in the state installed on the armature, wherein in particular the armature (12) is screwed to the first sleeve assembly (23) in the state installed on the armature.