Toggle Wall Anchor Assembly With Strap Locking for Hollow Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wall anchor technologies for hollow walls, such as those made of friable materials, face challenges in securely fastening objects due to the need for complex mechanisms and limited adaptability to different wall types.
Innovation Solution
A novel anchor assembly comprising a strap member, a spring member, and a toggle member pivotally mounted to the strap member, with a locking member that displaces to abut both sides of the wall, allowing for secure fastening through a distal section of the strap member and enabling easy engagement with a fastener.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional anchor assembly with multiple components (channel member, straps, collar, pulling ring) is used, then the fastening reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the channel member and toggle member into a single integrated component. The toggle member is formed as one piece with the channel member, eliminating the need for separate straps and reducing the number of parts while maintaining the anchoring function through the integrated structure
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated anchor assembly performs multiple functions: the toggle member provides both the anchoring mechanism and the fastening interface, the spring member provides both biasing force and locking engagement, and the collar serves as both a positioning element and a fastener receptacle. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count while maintaining reliability
2Reliability
If a complex ratchet-type collar displacement mechanism is used, then the locking reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spring member automatically engages with the collar to provide biasing force and locking engagement without requiring manual operation. The spring's elastic properties enable automatic locking when the collar is positioned against the wall, eliminating the need for complex manual ratchet mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The spring member utilizes elastic deformation as a key parameter to provide the locking force. By changing the spring's physical state (compressed/extended), the system achieves automatic locking and retention without complex mechanical mechanisms, improving ease of operation while maintaining reliability
3Adaptability or versatility
If an anchor assembly designed for hollow walls is used, then the adaptability to different wall types is improved, but the strength of fastening in solid walls deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated anchor assembly with toggle member design provides universal applicability across different wall types. The toggle member can expand within hollow spaces to provide anchoring, while the integrated structure with collar and spring mechanism allows for secure fastening in various wall configurations, maintaining both adaptability and sufficient strength
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 anchor assembly provides a secure and versatile solution for fastening objects to hollow walls by effectively engaging both sides of the wall, ensuring stability and ease of installation, suitable for various wall types and fastener configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a spring member, a toggle member pivotally mounted to the strap member... said toggle member being displaceable between first and second positions thereof, wherein in said first position said toggle member is substantially aligned with said strap member for insertion through a hole in the wall while biasedly engaging said spring member
Data Source
AI summary
An anchor assembly for walls comprises a toggle member and a strap member pivotally mounted together, and a locking member. In a first position, the toggle member is aligned with the strap member for insertion through the wall, whereas in a second position, the toggle member extends behind the wall at an angle relative to the strap member which extends from the toggle member through the hole in the wall. The locking member is adapted to be displaced along the strap member until it engages the wall and to be locked on the strap member. Therefore, the locking member and the toggle member are connected by the strap member and imprison the wall by abutting respectively the visible and hidden sides thereof. A fastener introduced through the locking member and the wall threadably engages an opening defined in the toggle member.