Adjustable Auger Post Anchor for Precise Alignment and Lateral Resistance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing post installation methods require laborious digging and backfilling, lack horizontal and vertical adjustment capabilities, and provide insufficient lateral resistance, especially for structures like fences and arbors.
Innovation Solution
An auger-based post anchor system with a separate fin device and post bracket that allows for horizontal and vertical adjustments, using a removable fin assembly and post bracket that can be secured to an auger with a nut and washer, enabling precise alignment and lateral resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional digging and backfilling methods are used to install posts, then posts can be securely installed in the ground, but the installation process requires additional labor and expense
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate components: the auger shaft with helical blade for ground engagement, the fin assembly for lateral resistance, and the post bracket for vertical support. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while simplifying the overall installation process compared to traditional digging and backfilling methods
Solution Approach 2:
The auger-based device installs itself through rotational forcing into the ground, creating its own installation cavity without requiring separate digging operations. The helical blade automatically excavates soil as it rotates, and the fin assembly provides immediate lateral resistance upon installation, eliminating the need for backfilling operations
2Productivity
If fixed post installation methods are used, then posts can be installed quickly, but horizontal and vertical adjustments are difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The post bracket is designed with adjustable features that allow horizontal and vertical movement of the post relative to the auger shaft. The bracket can be positioned at different heights along the shaft and adjusted laterally, providing dynamic adaptability while maintaining quick installation through the simple auger-based mounting system
Solution Approach 2:
The post bracket nests onto the auger shaft, allowing vertical adjustment by positioning the bracket at different locations along the shaft length. This nested configuration enables adjustment capability without adding separate mounting hardware or complex assembly steps, maintaining installation speed while providing adaptability
3Device complexity
If small diameter auger tubes are used with fletching, then installation requires less digging, but the auger tube is vulnerable to lateral displacement and deformation in the soil
Solution Approach 1:
The fin assembly is integrated with the auger shaft to form a combined structure that provides both the rotational installation capability of the auger and the lateral resistance of the fins. The fins are positioned to extend outward from the shaft, creating a composite structure that resists lateral displacement while maintaining the simplicity of auger-based installation
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines the auger shaft (providing rotational installation capability) with the fin assembly (providing lateral resistance) to create a composite structure. This composite design integrates two functional elements into a single unit that simultaneously achieves easy installation and strong lateral resistance without requiring separate components
4Ease of operation
If lateral resistance panels are used with impalement methods, then posts can be installed without digging, but horizontal adjustments are not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The post bracket is designed with movable components that allow horizontal adjustment of the post position relative to the auger shaft. The bracket can slide or rotate along the shaft to accommodate horizontal positioning changes, providing adaptability while maintaining the simple impalement-style installation method through the auger mechanism
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
Facilitates easy, efficient installation of posts with improved lateral resistance and precise alignment, reducing labor and costs while ensuring stability and alignment accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
at least one helical blade on the shaft above the bottom end for boring the auger rod into the ground as the shaft is rotated about the longitudinal axis
Implementation Method 2
The fin device is positioned in the soil in direction opposition to moment forces generated on it thus hold the smaller diameter pipe firmly in the ground
Implementation Method 3
the upper portion having an externally threaded portion... the post bracket that is securable to the post or beam and having a base with a hole to receive the externally threaded portion of the shaft to enable the post bracket to be removably connected to the external threaded portion
Data Source
AI summary
A post anchor device comprising an auger rod having a shaft with a lower portion and an upper portion, the upper portion having threads and a terminus configured to being engaged and rotated by a drive tool for rotating the shaft, the lower portion having a bottom end for insertion into the ground and at least one helical blade above the bottom end for boring the auger rod into the ground, at least one fin removably connected to the upper portion and being longitudinally aligned with the shaft, and a post bracket that is securable to the post or beam and having a base with a hole to receive the externally threaded portion of the shaft to enable the post bracket to be removably connected to the external threaded portion by a complementary nut or an internal threaded member, thereby securing the post bracket to the auger rod.