<p>Traditional resin anchor bolts demonstrate functional limitations and difficulty in meeting support needs in deep and complex conditions. This study proposes a novel hollow variable-section anchor bolt (HVS-bolt) suitable for load transfer mechanisms. Its anchorage segment adopts a hollow design, with the internal space flexibly modifiable to expand functionalities based on project demands. Theoretical analysis derived characteristic equations of internal force distribution in the anchorage segment, revealing the influence laws of the hollow structure on axial force and interface shear stress distributions. The results show that compared with traditional anchor bolts, HVS-bolts exhibit stronger concavity in axial force distribution curves, while interface shear stress increases at the anchorage start and decreases at the extremity, with variation magnitudes escalating as hollow dimensions increase. The FLAC^3D numerical simulations are highly consistent with the theoretical predictions and verify the correctness of the theoretical results. Based on structural optimization, the ideal hollow structure that maximizes the internal space is derived under the condition that the axial force on the rod body of the anchorage segment is equal to its pull-out resistance everywhere. For safety considerations, to retain the mechanical property reserve for the rod body to resist additional loads, by appropriately reducing the ideal hollow structure, the allowable hollow structure applicable to actual engineering is proposed, and the optimization design process of HVS-bolts is established accordingly. It is found that under conventional conditions (reduction coefficient of 0.8), the allowable hollow structure occupies approximately 50% of the anchorage segment volume, providing sufficient space for functional modifications. Based on this research, the secondary development of hollow rods can be carried out to create multifunctional anchor bolts with functions of energy absorption, temperature resistance, and monitoring and warning, which can provide a new solution to the challenges of surrounding rock support under complex working conditions.</p>