Umbrella-Shaped Anchor Converts Tension to Rock Compression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rock anchoring technologies face challenges such as complex grouting processes, difficulty in controlling anchoring force, and limited applicability in rock masses due to friction-based mechanisms, which result in inefficient and unstable reinforcement.

Innovation Solution

The umbrella-shaped anchor converts tensile force into extrusion force using a sliding mechanism and bearing blocks to leverage the higher compressive strength of rock masses, providing a simple, fast, and controllable anchoring method without grouting, suitable for large depths and varied geological structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If grouting anchor rod is used to bond anchor rod with rock, then anchoring force can be achieved, but the process is complex and construction time is extended due to cement slurry solidification requirement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanchoring forceVSAvoidconstruction time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the grouting process from the anchoring system. By using a mechanical expansion mechanism instead of chemical bonding, the patent removes the time-consuming cement slurry solidification step while maintaining reliable anchoring force through direct mechanical interlocking with the rock mass.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the chemical-grouting-based anchoring system with a purely mechanical expansion system. The anchor rod mechanically expands upon installation to create direct friction and interlocking with the rock, substituting the chemical bonding process with immediate mechanical action that provides both speed and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If mechanical anchoring with friction resistance is used, then anchoring can be achieved, but the anchorage force is small and decreases with time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanchoring stabilityVSAvoidanchoring force
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The invention employs a dynamic expansion mechanism where the anchor rod actively expands after installation to engage with the rock mass. This dynamic action creates immediate high anchoring force and maintains it over time through continuous mechanical engagement, preventing the force degradation seen in static friction-based systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of anchoring from friction-based to expansion-based force generation. By transforming the anchor rod from a passive friction element to an active expansion mechanism, the system achieves higher initial force and maintains stability through sustained mechanical pressure against the rock walls.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Force

If expansion shell anchor rod is used, then anchoring force can be increased, but the construction process becomes more complex and lateral displacement may occur during rotation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanchoring forceVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the expansion function into a simplified radial expansion mechanism. Instead of complex rotation and conical nut systems, the anchor rod expands radially in a single straightforward motion, reducing installation complexity while maintaining high anchoring force through direct radial engagement with the rock mass.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the traditional expansion sequence by expanding the anchor head outward radially rather than requiring rotation to drive conical expansion. This inverted approach eliminates lateral displacement issues and rotational complexity while achieving the same force multiplication effect through pure radial expansion against the rock walls.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Ease of operation

If wedge anchor rod is used for reinforcement, then anchoring can be achieved, but the anchorage force is small and suitable only for short service life applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidanchoring force
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The invention combines multiple anchoring mechanisms into a composite system that integrates expansion, friction, and interlocking effects. The anchor rod incorporates features that simultaneously engage with the rock mass through multiple physical principles, achieving high anchoring force while maintaining installation simplicity comparable to wedge anchors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a multi-functional anchor system that performs expansion, creates friction engagement, and establishes mechanical interlocking all in one installation process. This universal anchor design replaces the limited single-function wedge mechanism with a system that achieves high force capability while remaining simple to install across various rock conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This approach achieves high anchoring force, stability, and efficient construction by utilizing the rock mass's compressive strength, ensuring large structural resistance and uniform stress distribution without the need for grouting, thus overcoming the limitations of existing technologies.

Implementation Method 1

The sliding mechanism is connected with the connecting rod through the main rod of the anchor head, and the multiple of upper parts of the bearing blocks are respectively inserted into the grooves of the guide blocks, and are fully fitted with the side guide rails of the sliding mechanism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForce transformation: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS11293284B2Umbrella-shaped anchor for quick reinforcement of rock mass, and application method
Publication Date: 2022.04.05 CHANGJIANG RIVER SCI RES INST
  • US11293284B2 patent drawing
  • US11293284B2 patent drawing
  • US11293284B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention provides an umbrella-shaped anchor for rapid reinforcement of rock mass. The umbrella-shaped anchor for rapid reinforcement of the rock mass comprises an umbrella-shaped anchor head and a connecting rod. The umbrella-shaped head comprises the sliding mechanism, bearing block, guide block and main rod of anchor head. The main rod of anchor head is connected with the sliding mechanism after passing through the through-hole located in the middle of the guide block The sliding mechanism is connected with the connecting rod through the main rod of the anchor head. The multiple upper parts of bearing blocks are respectively inserted into the groove of the guide block, and they are fully fitted with the side guide rail of the sliding mechanism During installation, after the umbrella anchor head and connecting rod in the retracted state are extended into the anchor hole, the connecting rod is tensioned to drive the sliding mechanism to extrude the bearing block to open outwards and squeeze with the hole surface. The invention converts the tensile force of the anchor rod into the extrusion pressure on the rock mass, and obtains the larger anchoring force by using the higher compressive strength of the rock mass. The invention has the advantages of large applicable depth, fast construction speed, high efficiency, no grouting, large structural resistance and good stability.