Anchor for support structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional earth anchors and screw anchors are inadequate for anchoring solar tracking systems due to their limited resistance to transverse loads, leading to the use of deep piles that are costly and prone to installation issues with cobbles or boulders, which increases installation expenses.
Innovation Solution
An anchor system comprising a base member with stabilizing shafts and a line that applies tension to an earth anchor, allowing it to resist removal from the ground, and featuring a spade or threaded portion for deeper penetration and stability, capable of handling transverse loads and environmental forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional earth anchors or screw anchors are used, then the anchor system is simple and inexpensive, but they have limited resistance to transverse loads and are inadequate for solar tracking systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple anchoring mechanisms into a single integrated anchor system. The base member integrates both earth anchor functionality (for vertical anchoring) and screw anchor functionality (for transverse load resistance) into one unified structure, eliminating the need for separate anchor types while achieving comprehensive load resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor system is divided into distinct functional components: a base member with stabilizing shafts for vertical anchoring, and a separate line with threaded portion for transverse load resistance. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in resisting specific方向的 loads while working together as a complete system.
2Strength
If deep piles are used to withstand heavy solar arrays and natural forces, then the anchor strength is sufficient, but installation costs increase due to issues with cobbles or boulders
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor system employs a dynamic installation process where the stabilizing shafts are first pressed into the ground to establish vertical anchoring, then the line is tensioned to rotate the threaded portion into the ground for transverse load resistance. This dynamic, two-stage installation adapts to ground conditions and avoids the problems of driving deep piles through obstacles.
Solution Approach 2:
The line acts as an intermediary element that transfers and distributes forces between the base member and the threaded portion. By tensioning the line, the system indirectly drives the threaded portion into the ground at an angle, providing an alternative to direct vertical pile driving that encounters cobbles or boulders.
3Reliability
If stabilizing shafts and tensioned lines are used, then transverse loads are resisted effectively, but the device complexity increases compared to simple anchors
Solution Approach 1:
The base member serves multiple functions: it provides the anchoring point for the stabilizing shafts, serves as the mounting structure for solar equipment, and acts as the tensioning point for the line. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components while achieving reliable transverse load resistance.
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
The anchor system effectively stabilizes solar tracking systems by distributing forces and preventing material failure, making earth anchors and screw anchors viable for PV module arrays, reducing installation costs and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
stabilizing shafts coupled to the base member to be pressed into the ground when deployed
Implementation Method 2
resist removal from the ground in a second position
Implementation Method 3
a line for providing tension between the base member and the anchor when deployed into the ground
Implementation Method 4
the threaded portion of the line is shaped to be driven into the ground by rotating a portion of the line above the threaded portion to affect rotation of the threaded portion of the line
Data Source
AI summary
A first embodiment of an anchor system may include a ballast, rods projecting through the ballast such that the rods extend away from the ballast and into the ground when deployed, and a mounting hardware atop the ballast. The anchor system may include an anchor deployable into the ground with a line providing tension between the ballast and the anchor when deployed into the ground. Another embodiment of the anchor may include a ground plate coupled to a spade in which the spade may be pressed into the ground when deployed. The anchor system may include an earth anchor shaped to be deployed in a first position and resist removal from the ground in a second position. and a line running from the ground plate to the earth anchor. The tension on the line may cause the earth anchor to transition from the first position to the second position.