NL2020251B1

NL2020251B1 - Device comprising an anchoring element for embedding in a structure

Info

Publication number: NL2020251B1
Application number: NL2020251A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Stephanus Magaretha Joseph Van Der Borg Lodewijk; Quirinus Fredrik Verouden Franciscus
Original assignee: Space Xyz B V
Priority date: 2018-01-09
Filing date: 2018-01-09
Publication date: 2019-07-15
Also published as: EP3737870A1; WO2019139474A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device comprising an anchoring element for embedding in a structure. The anchoring element comprises a central member and one or more elongated extending members. The elongated extending members are connected to the central member and at least partially extend in a radial direction from the central member. At least one of the elongated extending members comprises one or more lateral members which are connected to said elongated extending member(s). The lateral members extend out from a side of said one of the elongated extending members. The anchoring element of the present invention is suitable for use in, but not limited to, a laminate structure, a composite structure, and in particular in substantial any pourable and/or hardening material, such as concrete, thermosetting or thermoplastic polymers. Preferably, the central member is multi—usable for connecting different kinds of assemblies and/or apparatuses to the device.

Description

Device comprising an anchoring element for embedding in a structure

BACKGROUND

The invention relates to a device comprising an anchoring element for embedding in a structure. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing said device, and a method for embedding at least the anchoring element of said device in a structure.

The British Patent specification GB 1,096,812 describes a device for anchoring at least one elongated fastening element, designed as a bolt, in a laminate structure having two layers. The device comprises a support plate with stamped projections, as a carrier assembly, which support plate is rigidly connected to the fastening element . The support plate is configured for arrangement between the two layers of the laminated structure.

The United State Patent Application Publication US 2017/0159690 Al also describes a device for anchoring at least one fastening element in a laminate structure, which laminate structure comprises at least two layers. The device comprises a fastening element and a carrier assembly on which the fastening element is mounted. The carrier assembly is a corrugated plate designed with a protruding rib structure which radially outwardly surrounds the fastening element in the circumferential direction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A disadvantage of the known devices is that the support plate or the corrugated plate separates the layers of the laminate structure over a relatively large area, which weakens the laminate structure.

It is an object of the present invention to ameliorate or to eliminate one or more disadvantages of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative device.

invention element anchoring

According provides to for embedding a first aspect, device in a element comprises a comprising structure, the present an anchoring central member and one or more elongated extending members, wherein the one or more elongated extending members are connected to the central from the central member, and wherein at least one of the elongated extending members comprises one or more lateral members which are connected to said one of the elongated extending members and wherein the one or more lateral members extend out from a side of said one of the elongated extending members.

As a result of the anchoring element of the present invention having radially extending elongated extending members with lateral members extending out from the side of said elongated extending members, a strong connection between the anchoring element and the structure in which the anchoring element is embedded is obtained. In addition, due to the elongated extending members with lateral members extending out from the side of said elongated extending members, the structure in which the anchoring element is embedded is only disturbed locally, at the position of the elongated extending members and the lateral members. Adjacent and/or in between said elongated extending members and lateral members, the structure is at least to a large extend un-disturbed, yielding a high structural integrity of said structure up to an area close to the central member.

The prior art mentioned in the introductory part relate to devices for anchoring in a laminate structure having at least two layers. On the other hand, the anchoring element of the present invention is suitable for use in, but not limited to, a laminate structure, a composite structure, and in particular in substantial any pourable and/or hardening material, such as concrete, thermosetting or thermoplastic polymers.

In an embodiment, at least at positions where the one or more lateral members extend out from the side of said one of the elongated extending members, an angle between said one or more lateral members and said one of the elongated extending members is an acute angle. In an embodiment, the angle between said one or more lateral members and said one of the elongated extending members is in a range between 10 and 80 degrees. In an embodiment, said angle is in a range between 30 and 50 degrees. In an embodiment, said angle is at or around 45 degrees. In case the angle between a lateral member and the corresponding elongated extending member is very small, for example smaller than 10 degrees, said lateral member only has a small contribution to the connection between the anchoring element and the structure in which the anchoring element is embedded. In case the angle between a lateral member and the corresponding elongated extending member is to large, for example larger than 80 degrees, the forces due to mechanically loading of the anchoring element and/or the structure in which the anchoring element is embedded, are largely concentrated at the connecting point where the lateral member is connected to the elongated extending member, which may lead to the breaking of said connecting point at high mechanical loads. When arranging the lateral member at an acute angle with respect to the elongated extending members, mechanical forces applied to the central member are suitably transferred to the embedding structure and/or more evenly distributed over the elongated extending members and the lateral members. Accordingly, the chance of failure of the anchoring of the device according to this particular embodiment of the present invention in the embedding structure is reduced.

In an embodiment, at least one of the one or more lateral members comprises one or more branch members which are connected to said one of the lateral members and wherein the one or more branch members extend out from a side of said one of the lateral members. By providing the one or more lateral members with one or more branch members, a more strongly branched anchoring element is obtained, which enhances the strong connection between the anchoring element and the structure in which the anchoring element is embedded is obtained.

In an embodiment, at least at positions where the one or more branch members extend out from the side of said one of the lateral members, an angle between said one or more branch members and said one of the lateral members is an acute angle. In an embodiment, the angle between said one or more branch members and said one of the lateral members is in a range between 10 and 80 degrees. In an embodiment, said angle is in a range between 30 and 50 degrees. In an embodiment, said angle is at or around 45 degrees. For the same reasons as described above, when arranging the branch member at an acute angle with respect to the lateral members, mechanical forces applied to the central member are suitably transferred to the embedding structure and/or more evenly distributed over the elongated extending members, the lateral members and the branch members. Accordingly, the chance of failure of the anchoring of the device according to this embodiment of the present invention in the embedding structure is reduced.

Preferably, the acute angle between said one or more lateral members and said one of the elongated extending members is arranged at side of the corresponding lateral member which faces away from the central member. Preferably, the acute angle between said one or more branch members and said one of the lateral members is arranged at a side of the corresponding branch member which faces away from the central member.

In an embodiment, the elongated extending members are substantially arranged in at least one plane. This allows to arrange the anchoring device in a relatively thin structure, such as a laminate.

In an embodiment, the elongated extending members are arranged in two planes, wherein said two planes are spaced apart. In an embodiment, the two planes are arranged substantially parallel to each other. Used as such, providing two layers of elongated extending members enhances the strong connection between the anchoring element and the structure in which the anchoring element is embedded, in particular with respect to lateral forces applied to the central member. Said lateral forces are applied in a direction substantially parallel to the radial direction of the elongated extending members. In addition, when used in a reinforced composite structure, the reinforcement material can be arranged to extend the space in between the two planes, which allows to provide the reinforcement material up to an area close to the central member .

In an embodiment, said at least one plane is configured to extend in a direction substantially parallel to a surface plane of said structure. Even in the event when said structure comprises a curved surface plane, the at least one plane is preferably configured to extend substantially parallel to the curved surface plane.

Accordingly, the device according to this particular embodiment of the invention, and in anchoring element thereof, is tailored or customized to the shape of the structure in which the anchoring element is or needs to be embedded.

In an embodiment, the central member is configured to extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to said at least one plane.

In an embodiment, the central member is configured to extend out of the structure. Accordingly, the central member comprises or is connected to a functional component, which functional component needs to be fixed to said structure. Some examples of such functional components are described below. It is noted that the below examples of functional components illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiments and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention to these examples .

In an embodiment, the central member comprises a fastening element or holding element.

In an embodiment, the fastening element comprises a fastening nut, a fastening bolt, a cleat, an eye, a ring or chainplate. In particular, in an embodiment where the functional component comprises fastening nut or bolt, the device is multi-usable for connecting all different kinds of assemblies and/or apparatuses to the device according to this embodiment, as long as the assemblies and/or apparatuses are connectable via a screw connection .

In an embodiment, the holding element comprises a post carrier, a rail stanchion or a stanchion base.

Although the device according to the present invention can be assembled from various parts, which parts can be manufactured by subtractive manufacturing methods, such as milling, turning or punching, or by molding methods. However, in an embodiment, at least the anchoring element is integrally formed by means of an additive manufacturing method, preferably by means of a threedimensional printing method. In an embodiment, the both the central member and the anchoring element are integrally formed by means of an additive manufacturing method, preferably be means of a three-dimensional printing method. Recent developments in additive manufacturing processes, such as three-dimensional printing, have made it possible to produce elements with structures and designs which could not be produced in a conventional way. In particular, three-dimensional printing allows to manufacture complex anchoring structures comprising elongated extending elements with lateral and/or branching members, which lateral and/or branching members can be arranged to partially extend over other lateral and/or branching members. In particular such complex arrangements can be integrally formed using threedimensional printing.

According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a device as described above, wherein the method preferably comprises the step of controlling an additive manufacturing apparatus, in particular a three-dimensional printer, to print a device as described above

According to a third aspect, the present invention provides a method for embedding at least the anchoring element of a device as described above in a structure, wherein the method comprises the steps of:

arranging at least the anchoring element in a structure such as a laminate structure, a composite structure, and/or a structure formed by a pourable and/or hardening material, such as concrete, thermosetting or thermoplastic polymers, allowing the structure to harden or to set with the anchoring element embedded by said structure.

According to a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a computer-readable medium or data stream comprising computer-executable instructions configured to cause an additive manufacturing apparatus, in particular a three-dimensional printer, to print a device as described above.

The various aspects and features described and shown in the specification can be applied, individually, wherever possible. These individual aspects, in particular the aspects and features described in the attached dependent claims, can be made subject of divisional patent applications .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE

The invention an exemplary embodiment which :

example example example example example example example example example example

DRAWINGS will be elucidated on the basis of shown in the attached drawings, in

Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of of a device according to the invention;

Figure of figure

Figure of a device according to the invention;

Figure of figure

Figure of a device according to the invention;

Figure of figure

Figure of a device according to the invention;

Figure of figure

Figure of a device according to the invention;

Figure of figure

Figure of a device comprising a first example shows a schematic top view

1;

shows a schematic side view of shows a schematic top view

3;

shows a schematic side view of shows a schematic top view

5;

shows a schematic side view of shows a schematic top view

7;

shows a schematic side view of shows a schematic top view a first of the a second of the a third of the a fourth of the a fifth of the

9;

shows a schematic side view of an example functional component;

Figure 12 shows a schematic side view example of a device comprising a second example functional component;

of of of an

Figure 13 shows a schematic side view of an example of a device comprising a third example of a functional component;

Figure 14 shows a schematic side view of an example of a device comprising a fourth example of a functional component;

Figure 15 shows a schematic side view of an example of a device comprising a fifth example of a functional component;

Figure 16 shows a schematic cross-section of an example of a device comprising an anchoring element for use in bulging structure;

Figure 17 shows a schematic view of an example of a device with multiple anchoring elements;

Figure 18 shows a schematic view of an example of a device with an anchoring element optimized for carrying a load in substantially one direction;

Figure 19 shows a schematic view of a functional component with multiple anchoring elements;

Figure 20 shows a schematic view of an example of the use of multiple functional components with an anchoring element, for coupling a mechanical linked system; and

Figures 21A and 21B show a schematic crosssection of an anchoring device according to the present invention which is surrounded by a surrounding member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Figures 1 and 2 show different views of a first example of a device 10 comprising an anchoring element 12 for embedding in a structure 13. The anchoring element 12 comprises a central member 14 and a series of elongated extending members 15.

As clearly shown in figures 1 and 2, the elongated extending members 15 are connected to the central member 14, and at least partially extend in a radial direction from the central member 14. It is noted that the elongated extending members 15 extend in a radial direction from a center point 16 in the XY plane as shown in figure 2, but also in a plane which extends along the Z-axis, for example the XZ plane as shown in figure 1.

Some of the elongated extending members 15 comprise one or more lateral members 17 which are connected to said elongated extending members 15. Also the lateral members 17 are substantially elongated. As schematically shown in figures 1 and 2, the elongated lateral members 17 extend out from a side of the elongated extending members

15. At positions where the elongated lateral members 17 extend out from the side of the elongated extending members 15, each of the elongated lateral members 17 and the corresponding elongated extending member 15 enclose an acute angle al - a9.

It is further noted that in this particular example, the elongated extending members 15 and the elongated lateral members 17 are substantially cone-shaped and comprising a tip ending at a side facing away from the central member 14 and the elongated extending members 15 respectively .

In this particular example, the elongated extending members 15 are integrally formed with the central member 14. Such an integrally formed device 10 according to the invention can be manufactured, for example, using a casting method or a three-dimensional printing method.

Figures 3 and 4 show different views of a second example of a device 20 comprising an anchoring element 22 for embedding in a structure 23. Again, the anchoring element 22 comprises a central member 24 and a series of elongated extending members 25.

As shown in figure 3, central member 24 and the elongated extending members 25 are arranged in a plane P and are essentially made from a sheet material. The sheet material is cut or milled to obtain the elongated extending members 25 which extend in a substantially radial direction from the central member 24. It is noted that the elongated extending members 25 extend in a radial direction in the XY plane as shown in figure 4, and have a substantial rectangular cross-section in a plane parallel to the Zaxis, as schematically shown in figure 3.

Some of the elongated extending members 25 comprise one or more lateral members 27 which are connected to said elongated extending members 25. Also the lateral members 27 are substantially elongated. As schematically shown in figure 4, the elongated lateral members 27 extend out from a side of the elongated extending members 25. At positions where the elongated lateral members 27 extend out from the side of the elongated extending members 25, each of the elongated lateral members 27 and the corresponding elongated extending member 25 enclose a substantially equal acute angle β.

In this particular example, the elongated extending members 25 are integrally formed with the central member 24 from a sheet material, preferably from a metal sheet. The device 20 further comprises a central tubular member 26 which is fixed on top of the central member, for example by welding or gluing 28. The central tubular member comprises a central axis H which extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane P of the sheet material, out of the structure 23 in which the anchoring element 22 is embedded.

It is noted, that in this example, the plane P of the sheet material is configured to extend in a direction substantially parallel to a surface plane S of said structure 23.

Figures 5 and 6 show different views of a third example of a device 30 comprising an anchoring element 32 for embedding in a structure 33, which in this case comprises a laminate structure. Again, the anchoring element 32 comprises a central member 34 and a series of elongated extending members 35.

As schematically shown in figure 5, the central member 34 and the elongated extending members 35 are arranged in a plane P. The elongated extending members 35 extend in a radial direction in the XY plane as shown in figure 6. Furthermore, as schematically shown in figures 5 and 6, the elongated extending members 35 are substantially cone-shaped and comprising a tip ending at a side facing away from the central member 34.

All elongated extending members 35 comprises one or more lateral members 37 which are elongated extending members 35. Also the connected to said lateral members 37 are substantially elongated and

As schematically shown in figure 6, the elongated lateral members 37 extend out from a side of the elongated extending members 35. At positions where the elongated lateral members 37 extend out from the side of the elongated extending members

35, each of the elongated lateral members 37 and the corresponding elongated extending member 35 enclose an acute angle γ which is at or around 45 degrees .

As schematically shown in figure 6, some of the lateral members 37 comprise one or more branch members 39 which are connected to said lateral members 37. Also the branch members 39 are substantially elongated and coneshaped. As schematically shown in figure 6, the elongated branch members 39 extend out from a side of the elongated lateral members 37. At positions where the elongated branch members 39 extend out from the side of the elongated lateral members 37, each of the elongated branch members 39 and the corresponding elongated lateral member 37 enclose an acute angle γ which is at or around 45 degrees.

The elongated extending members 35, the lateral members 37 and the branch members 39 are all arranged substantially in the plane P, and are embedded between two layers, preferably adjacent layers, of the laminate structure 33. The central member extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane P, out of the laminate structure 33

In this particular example, the elongated extending members 35, the lateral members 37 and the branch members 39 are integrally formed with the central member 34 . Although, such an integrally formed device 30 can be manufactured using a casting method, it is highly preferable to manufacture such a device 30 by means of a three-dimensional printing method. The three-dimensional printing method provides much more freedom in designing the anchoring element 32 for a specific application.

Figures 7 and 8 show different views of a fourth example of a device 40 comprising an anchoring element 42 for embedding in a laminate structure 43. Again, the anchoring element 42 comprises a central member 44 and a series of elongated extending members 45, 46.

As schematically shown in figure 7, the elongated extending members 45, 46 are arranged in two planes P, Q. A first set of extending members 45 is arranged in a first plane P and a second set of extending members 46 is arranged in a second plane Q which is spaced apart from the first plane P.As schematically shown in figure 7, the planes P and Q are substantially parallel to each other and substantially parallel to the XY plane in the figures 7 and

8. The elongated extending members 45, 46 extend in a radial direction in the XY plane as shown in figure 8. Furthermore, as schematically shown in figures 7 and 8, the elongated extending members 45, 46 are substantially coneshaped and comprising a tip ending at a side facing away from the central member 44.

All elongated extending members 45, 46 comprises one or more lateral members 47, 48 which are connected to said elongated extending members 45, 46. Also the lateral members 47, 48 are substantially elongated and cone-shaped. As schematically shown in figure 8, the elongated lateral members 47, 48 extend out from a side of the elongated extending members 45, 46. At positions where the elongated lateral members 47, 48 extend out from the side of the elongated extending members 45, 46, each of the elongated lateral members 47, 48 and the corresponding elongated extending member 45, 46 enclose an acute angle γ which is at or around 45 degrees.

The elongated extending members 45 of the first set and arranged extending corresponding substantially planes P and their corresponding lateral members 47 are all substantially members 46 in the of the plane P.

second

The set elongated and their lateral members all in the plane Q.

Q, can be used for arranging

The space arranged in between the a reinforcement material 49, 49', for example a sheet of reinforcement fibers, as schematically shown in figure 8. Figure 8 shows a schematic top view in which the first set of elongated extending members 45 are arranged below the reinforcement material 49, 49' and the second set of elongated extending members 46 are arranged above the reinforcement material

49, 49' . The reinforcement material 49, 49' is provided with an opening 41 for the central member 44. Both the first set of elongated extending members 45 and the second set of elongated extending members 46 are configured to be embedded between two layers, preferably adjacent layers, of the laminate structure 43. The central member 44 extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the planes P and Q, out of the laminate structure 43

In this particular example, the elongated extending members 45, 46, and the lateral members 47, 48 are integrally formed with the central member 44, preferable by means of a three-dimensional printing method.

Figures 9 and 10 show different views of a fifth example of a device 50 comprising an anchoring element 52 for embedding in a structure 53. The structure 53 of this example comprises a corner section 51. Again, the anchoring element 52 comprises a central member 54 and a series of elongated extending members 55, 55' . The central member 54 is arranged at or near the corner section 51, and at least one or more of the elongated extending members 55' are configured to bent along with the corner section 51.

As schematically shown in figure l_r the elongated extending members 55, 55' are arranged in two planes P, P'.

A first set of extending members 55 is arranged in a first plane P which is arranged substantially parallel to a first part S of an outer surface of the structure 53, and a second set of extending members 55' is bend out of the first plane P in order to be arranged in a second plane P' which is arranged substantially parallel to a second part S' of the outer surface of the structure 53. In this example the corner section 51 is substantially bent at a right angle. However it will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that any other shape of the corner section 51 can be combined with correspondingly shaped anchoring section to provide adequate embedding of the anchoring section in the corner section.

As schematically shown in figures 9 and 10, the elongated extending members 55 of the first set extend from the central member 54 in a radial direction in the XY plane, and the elongated extending members 55' of the second set extend from the central member 54 in a substantially radial direction in the YZ plane. The elongated extending members 55, 55' comprise one or more lateral members 57 which are connected to said elongated extending members 55, 55'. As schematically shown in figure

10, some of the lateral members 57 comprise one or more branch members 58 which are connected to said lateral members 57. The central member 54 extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first plane P, out of the outer surface S of the structure 53. However it will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the central member can be configured to extend out of the structure 53 at any desired position of the structure 53; out of the first part S and/or the second part S' of the outer surface, out of the outer and/or inner bend of the corner section 51, or even out of an inner surface of the structure 53.

In this particular example, the elongated extending members 55, 55', the lateral members 57, and the branch members 58 are integrally formed with the central member 54, preferable by means of a three-dimensional printing method.

The above described examples show only a few variations of the anchoring element for use in a device according to the invention, and the above description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiments and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. From the above discussion, many variations of the anchoring element will be apparent to one skilled in the art that would yet be encompassed by the scope of the present invention. In addition, all these variations of the anchoring element of the present invention can be combined with a central member adapted to a certain use of the device of the present invention, as described below.

Figure 11 shows a schematic side view of an example of a device 60 comprising a central member 64 and an anchoring element 62 for embedding in a structure 63 with an outer surface S. The anchoring element 62 may be configured according to any one of the above described examples. As schematically shown in figure 11, the central member 64 extends out of the outer surface S of the structure 63 and is provided with a first example of a functional component, in particular a threaded end 65. The threaded end 65 is provided with an outside thread which allows mounting any apparatus or article to the structure 63 via a screwed connection. The anchoring element 62, the central member are preferably integrally formed, wherein the outside thread can be cut after the forming using a thread cutter, for example.

Figure 12 shows a schematic side view of an example of a device 70 comprising a central member 74 and an anchoring element 72 for embedding in a structure with an outer surface S. Again, the anchoring element may be configured according to any one of the above described examples. As schematically shown in figure

12, the central member 74 extends out of the outer surface S of the structure 73 and is provided with a second example of a functional component, in particular a cleat or clamp, more in particular a horn cleat 75 for securing a rope. The horn cleat 75 comprises two horns’ 76 extending parallel to the outer surface S, which in this case may be a deck of a ship or the axis of a spar, and resembling the horn of an anvil. The anchoring element 72 and the central member 74 with the cleat 75 on top are preferably integrally formed, preferable by means of a three-dimensional printing method.

Figure 13 shows a schematic side view of an example of a device 80 comprising a central member 84 and an anchoring element 82 for embedding in a structure 83 with an outer surface S. Again, the anchoring element 82 may be configured according to any one of the above described examples. As schematically shown in figure 13, the central member 84 extends out of the outer surface S of the structure 83 and is provided with a third example of a functional component, in particular an eye 85. The eye comprises a loop with a central through openings 86, which allows to attach ropes, cables or chains to the structure 83. The anchoring element 82 and the central member 84 with the eye 85 on top are preferably integrally formed, preferable by means of a three-dimensional printing method.

Figure 14 shows a schematic side view of an example of a device 90 comprising a central member 94 and an anchoring element 92 for embedding in a structure 93 with an outer surface S, S' . Again, the anchoring element 92 may be configured according to any one of the above described examples, in particular according to the fifth example as shown in figures 9 and 10.

As schematically shown in figure 14, the central member 94 extends out of the outer surface S of the structure 33 and is provided with a fourth example of a functional component, in particular a deck mount 95 for the base 96 of a stanchion for a hand rail, or for the base of a flag pole. In particular, the deck mount 95 for a hand rail on a ship is commonly arranged near the edge of a deck of the ship, where the deck surface (outer surface S) and the hull surface (outer surface S') join. Accordingly the anchoring element comprises a first part 92 which is arranged to extend in a plane substantially parallel to the deck surface (outer surface S) and a second part 92' which is arranged to extend in a plane substantially parallel to the hull surface (outer surface S' ) .

The anchoring element	92,	92' and the	central
member 94	with the	deck mount	95	on top are preferably
integrally	formed,	preferable	by	means of a	three-
dimensional	printing	method.

Figure 15 shows a schematic side view of an example of a device 100 comprising a central member 104 and an anchoring element 102 for embedding in a structure 103 with an outer surface S and an inner surface I. Again, the anchoring element 102 may be configured according to any one of the above described examples. As schematically shown in figure 15, the central member 104 extends out of the outer surface S and out of the inner surface I of the structure 103. Accordingly the central member 104 provides a fifth example of a functional component, in particular comprising a passage 105 through the structure 103. The anchoring element 102 and the central member 104 with the passage 105 are preferably integrally formed, preferable by means of a three-dimensional printing method.

Such a device 100 can be used for many applications, such as, but not limited to, a passage for

electrical	wiring	or a	passage for	providing a	fluid
connection	between	the	outer surface	S and the	inner
surface I,	or vice	versa.

For example, an outer part 106 of the central member 104 arranged at the outer surface S can be provided with a socket which is electrically connected to a device arranged at the inner surface I of the structure 103 via electrical wiring through the passage 105 and an inner part 107 of the central member 104 arranged at the inner surface S' .

Alternatively the outer part 106 of the central member 104 can be provided with a lamp, which can be electrically connected to a power source or control device arranged at the inner surface I of the structure 103 via electrical wiring through the passage 105 and an inner part 107 of the central member 104 arranged at the inner surface S' .

Or, the outer part 106 of the central member 104 can be used to connect a gas or liquid supply, to a gas or liquid utilizing apparatus connected to the inner part 107 of the central member 104.

Figure 16 shows a schematic cross-section of a part of a device 110 comprising an anchoring element 112 for embedding in bulging structure 111. The anchoring element 112 comprises a central member 114 and one or more elongated extending members 115, which extending members 115 are provided with one or more lateral members and/or branch members (not shown in detail in figure 16) as in the other examples. The elongated extending members 115 are connected to the central member 114 and at least partially extend in a radial direction from the central member 114. The elongated extending members 115 are substantially arranged one plane 116, which plane 116 is curved. As schematically shown in figure 16, the curved plane 116 is configured to extend in a direction substantially parallel to a convex outer surface plane 117 of said outward bulging structure 111. In the example shown in figure 16, the also configured to extend in a parallel to a concave inner surface an XZ plane cross-section is substantially In an alternative embodiment, plane and in the YZ plane are same, and the elongated extending members curved plane uniform in

Figure 16 shows a cross-section in embodiment, this direction .

the Y in the XZ substantially the

115 are arranged in a substantially double

116.

shows a therein .

embedded

It is noted that the example shown bulging structure 111 with a device

In a comparable same way a device 110 can also be in an indented structure.

in figure 16

110 embedded

Figure 17 shows a schematic view of an example of a device 120 with multiple anchoring elements 122, 122', 122. Each one of the anchoring elements 122, 122', 122 comprises a central member 124, 124', 124 and one or more elongated extending members 125, 125' 125, which extending members 125, 125' , 125 are provided with one or more lateral members 126, 126', 126 and branch members 127, 127', 127. The elongated extending members 125, 125', 125 are connected to the corresponding central member 124, 124', 124 and at least partially extend in a radial direction from the central member 124, 124', 124. The elongated extending members 125, 125', 125 and the lateral members 126, 126', 126 and the branch members 127, 127', 127 of the anchoring elements 122, 122', 122 are embedded in the structure 121, and a part of the anchoring elements 122, 122', 122 extend outside the structure 121 and combine in a main device member 128. The example shown in figure 17 is typical designed and configured for carrying a mechanical load F_LOad in a specific direction, substantially parallel to the surface 129 of the structure 121. Due to the load F_L0AD the first and second anchoring elements 122,

122' experience a pulling force Fl, F2, whereas the third anchoring element 122 experiences a compressing force F3.

It is noted that the combination of the anchoring elements 122, 122', 122 in the main device member 128 and the specific angle at which the anchoring elements 122, 122', 122 make with respect to each other can be optimized in view of the desired positions on the structure 121 which can carry the load Ft.o.ad- Such an optimized design can readily been printed using a three-dimensional printing tool.

As indicated in the side view of figure 17 and more in detail in a top view in figure 18, the elongated extending members 125 are substantially arranged at a side of the central member 124 at least partially facing away from the direction of the pulling force Fl, in particular the elongated extending members 125 are arranged at an angle in a range from 70 to 290 degrees, preferably in a range from 90 to 270 degrees, with respect the pulling force Fl.

As schematically indicated in figure 18, the elongated extending members 125 do not need to be perfectly straight. A non-straight elongated extending members 125 having an organic shape are preferred since they can enhance the anchoring of the anchoring element 122 in the structure 121.

Figure 19 shows a schematic view of a functional component with multiple anchoring elements. An example of such a functional component is a handrail 130, comprising a beam 131, several an anchoring elements 132. Each one of the anchoring elements 132 comprises a support stud 133, which connects the beam 131 to the central member 134 of the anchoring element 132. Each on of the central members 134 comprises one or more elongated extending members 135, which extending members 135 are provided with one or more lateral members and/or branch members (not shown in detail in figure 19) as in the other examples. The central member 134 with the elongated extending members and the lateral members and/or branch members are imbedded in the structure 136. An example of such a structure is a part of a wall of cabin or hull of a ship, preferably made from a polymer and/or composite material.

Figure 20 shows a schematic view of an example of the use of multiple functional components 140, 140' with an anchoring element, for coupling a mechanical linked system 151 to a structure 141. An example of such a structure is a part of a car body, and an example of such a mechanical linked system is a part of a wheel suspension for the car. Each functional component 140, 140' comprises an anchoring element 142, 142' , which comprises a central member 144, 144' and one or more elongated extending members 145, 145' which extending members 145, 145' are provided with one or more lateral members and/or branch members (not shown in detail in figure 19) as in the other examples. The elongated extending members 145, 145' are connected to the corresponding central member 144, 144' and at least partially extend in a radial direction from the central member 144, 144'. The elongated extending members 145, 145' and the lateral members and/or the branch members of the anchoring elements 142, 142' are embedded in the structure 141, and a part of the anchoring elements 142, 142' extend outside the structure 141 and are provided with a through opening 146 for coupling the mechanically linked system 151 to the anchoring elements 142, 142', for example using a screw connection.

Figure 21A shows a top view of an anchoring element 160 according to embedding in a structure, comprises a central member the present invention for

The anchoring element 160

161 and elongated extending members 162. The elongated extending members connected to the central member 161 and at least

162 are partially extend in a radial direction from the central member 161.

The elongated extending members 162 comprise lateral members 163 wherein each one of said lateral members 163 is connected to one of the elongated extending members 162. Each one of the lateral members 163 extends out from a side of said one of the elongated extending members 162.

Furthermore, one or more lateral members 163 comprise one or more branch members 164. Each branch member

164 is connected to one of the lateral members 164, wherein the branch member 164 preferably extend out from a side of said one of the lateral members 163.

The anchoring element 160 of figure 21A further comprises a surrounding member 165 which at least partially surrounds the elongated extending members 162 . The surrounding member 165 is connected to several extending members 162, in particular at an end of the extending member 162 which faces away from the central member 161. The surrounding member 165 increases the mechanical stability and protects the extending members 162, the lateral members 163 and the branch members 164, in particular during the handling of the anchoring member 160 before it is embedded in a structure. The surrounding member 165 can be removed before the anchoring element 160 is embedded in a structure. Alternatively, the surrounding member 165 can also stay on the anchoring element 160, so that the anchoring element 160 with the surrounding member 165 is embedded into the structure.

Figure 21A shows an example of an anchoring element 160 which extends in a plane XY, which is usually embedded in a structure having a top surface which extends substantially parallel to said plane XY.

Figure 21B shows an example of an anchoring element 170 which extends in a plane ZX, which is usually embedded in a structure having a tip surface which extends substantially perpendicular to said plane ZX.

Figure 21B shows a side view of an anchoring

element	170	according to	the	present invention	for
embedding	in	a structure.	The	anchoring element	170
comprises	8	central member	171	and elongated extending

members 172. The elongated extending members 172 are connected to the central member 171 and at least partially extend in a radial direction from the central member 171 . The elongated extending members 172 comprise lateral members 173 wherein each one of said lateral members 173 is connected to one of the elongated extending members 172. Each one of the lateral members 173 extends out from a side of said one of the elongated extending members 172.

The anchoring element 170 of figure 21B further comprises a surrounding member 175 which at least partially surrounds the elongated extending members 172. The surrounding member 175 is connected to several extending members 172 and/or one or more lateral members 173, in particular at an end of the extending member 172 or lateral members 173 which faces away from the central member 171. The surrounding member 175 increases the mechanical stability and protects the extending members 172 and the lateral members 173, in particular during the handling of the anchoring member 170 before it is embedded in a structure. The surrounding member 175 can be removed before the anchoring element 170 is embedded in a structure. Alternatively, the surrounding member 175 can also stay on the anchoring element 170, so that the anchoring element 170 with the surrounding member 175 is embedded into the structure .

It is to be understood that the above description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiments and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. From the above discussion, many variations will be apparent to one skilled in the art that would yet be encompassed by the scope of the present invention.

In summary, the present invention relates to a device comprising an anchoring element for embedding in a structure. The anchoring element comprises a central member and one or more elongated extending members. The elongated extending members are connected to the central member and at least partially extend in a radial direction from the central member. At least one of the elongated extending members comprises one or more lateral members which are connected to said elongated extending member(s). The 5 lateral members extend out from a side of said one of the elongated extending members. The anchoring element of the present invention is suitable for use in, but not limited to, a laminate structure, a composite structure, and in particular in substantial any pourable and/or hardening 10 material, such as concrete, thermosetting or thermoplastic polymers. Preferably, the central member is multi-usable for connecting different kinds of assemblies and/or apparatuses to the device.

Claims

CLAIMS

A device comprising an anchoring element for embedding in a structure, wherein the anchoring element comprises a central part and one or more elongated extending parts, wherein the one or more elongated extending parts are connected to the central part and at least partially extend into a radial direction from the central part, and wherein at least one of the elongated extending parts comprises one or more lateral parts which are connected to that one of the elongated extending parts and wherein the one or more lateral parts extend from a side of that one of the elongated extending parts.

The device of claim 1, wherein at least at the positions where the one or more lateral portions extend out of the side of that one of the elongated extending portions, an angle between those one or more lateral portions and that one of the elongated extending portions is a sharp angle.

The device according to claim 2, wherein the angle between said one or more lateral parts and said one of the elongated extending parts in a range between 10

and 80 degrees, more is, for example preferably in a preference at or around range between 45 degrees. 30 and 50 4. The device according to claim 1, 2 or 3,

wherein at least one of the one or more lateral parts comprises one or more branch parts which are connected to that one of the lateral parts and wherein the one or more branch parts extends from a side of said one of the lateral parts.

The device of claim 4, wherein at least at positions where the one or more branching parts extend from the side of that one of the lateral parts, an angle between said one or more branching parts and that one of the lateral parts is an acute angle is.

The device of claim 5, wherein the angle between said one or more packing parts and said one of the lateral parts is in a range between 10 and 80 degrees, preferably in a range between 30 and 50 degrees, more preferably at or around 45 degrees.

The device of any one of claims 16, wherein the elongated extending portions are disposed substantially in at least one plane.

The device of claim 7, wherein the elongated extending portions are placed in two planes

are in which are placed. the two planes on distance from each other 9. The device according to claim 8, where the two planes essentially parallel at respects from each other are placed.

The device of claim 7, 8 or 9, wherein the at least one face is configured to extend in a direction substantially parallel to a surface face of the structure.

The device of any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the central portion is configured to extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the at least one plane.

The device of any one of claims 1

11, the central portion being configured to extend outside the structure

The device of any one of claims 1

- 12, wherein the central part comprises a fastening element or retaining element.

The device of claim 13, wherein the mounting element comprises a mounting nut, a mounting bolt, a cleat, an eye, a ring, or a putting iron.

The device of claim 13, wherein the retaining element comprises a pole support, a railing scepter or a scepter base.

The device of any one of claims 1

15, wherein at least the anchoring element is integrally formed by means of an additive production method, preferably by means of a three-dimensional printing method.

The device according to claim 16, wherein both the central part and the anchoring element are formed as one whole by means of an additive production method, preferably by means of a three-dimensional printing method.

A method of manufacturing a device according to any of claims 1 to 17, wherein the method comprises the steps of controlling an additive manufacturing device, in particular a three-dimensional printer, to print the device.

A method for embedding at least the anchoring element of a device according to any one of claims 1 to 17 in a construction, the method comprising the steps of:

placing at least the anchoring element in a structure such as a laminate structure, a composite structure, and / or a structure formed by a castable and / or curing material, such as concrete, thermosetting or thermoplastic polymers, allowing the structure to cure or hardened with the anchoring element embedded by the structure.

20. A computer-readable medium or data stream containing comprehensive computer-executable instructions

Are configured to induce an additive manufacturing apparatus, in particular a three-dimensional printer, to print a device according to any of claims 1 to 17.