Anchor Drive Rods for Utility Pole Bracing in Soft Soil

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional methods of supporting utility poles, such as using guy wires, are ineffective in soft soils, leading to potential pole tipping under wind loading, as they fail to provide adequate bracing.

Innovation Solution

The method involves inserting and connecting two anchor drive rods, one parallel and the other at a non-zero angle to the pole axis, to the ground surface, providing both tensile and compressive support, which can replace guy wires and stabilize the pole in unstable soils.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If guy wires are used to brace the pole, then lateral support is provided, but the bracing is ineffective in soft soils leading to pole tipping

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebracing effectivenessVSAvoidsoil condition adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The bracing system is segmented into multiple independent anchor drive rods (first and second rods) positioned at different locations and orientations around the pole. Each rod provides independent anchoring in the ground, distributing the lateral loads across multiple insertion points rather than relying on a single guy wire anchor point, which resolves the ineffectiveness in soft soils by creating multiple stable support zones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The anchor drive rods are inserted at specific locations with different orientations relative to the pole axis. The first rod is inserted parallel to the pole axis while the second rod is inserted at a non-zero angle, creating localized anchoring zones with different mechanical properties. This allows the system to adapt to varying soil conditions at different locations and provide optimized lateral support in each direction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If traditional guy wires are used, then lateral bracing is achieved, but soil disruption is significant and installation is complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelateral supportVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The traditional guy wire mechanical system (wire, tensioning devices, anchor blocks requiring excavation) is replaced with a direct-drive rod system that is inserted and secured into the ground. The anchor drive rods are mechanically driven or screwed directly into the soil, eliminating the need for complex tensioning mechanisms and large anchor blocks, thereby simplifying installation while maintaining reliable lateral support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

This principle does not apply to this patent as there are no color changes or visual indicators involved in the anchor drive rod system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Strength

If anchor drive rods are inserted parallel and at an angle to the pole axis, then both tensile and compressive support are provided, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelateral bracing strengthVSAvoidanchor configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The anchor drive rod configuration employs asymmetric positioning and orientation relative to the pole axis. The first rod is inserted parallel to the pole axis while the second rod is inserted at a non-zero angle, creating an asymmetric support geometry. This asymmetric arrangement allows the system to simultaneously handle both tensile and compressive lateral loads more effectively than symmetric configurations, as each rod can be optimized for its specific loading direction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

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 solution effectively prevents pole tipping and provides lateral support, reducing the need for guy wires and minimizing soil disruption, while being cost-effective and suitable for areas with restricted space.

Implementation Method 1

inserting a first anchor drive rod and a second anchor drive rod below the ground surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

connecting each of the first anchor drive rod and the second anchor drive rod to the pole

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical interlocking: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 3

The bracket has a guide, and the bracket has at least a configuration in which the guide allows relative axial displacement between the bracket and the second anchor drive rod

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentUS9103090B2Methods and apparatuses of supporting and bracing a pole

Publication Date: 2015.08.11 BUSHORE KEVIN M

AI summary

An apparatus comprising: a pole erected relative to a ground surface and defining a pole axis; a first anchor drive rod connected to the pole and extended, parallel to the pole axis, from the pole to below the ground surface; and a second anchor drive rod connected to the pole and extended, at a non zero angle to the pole axis, from the pole to below the ground surface. Methods of bracing and supporting the pole are also discussed.