Buried-Load Anchoring Bases with Counterweight Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anchoring apparatuses fail to effectively anchor buoyant loads, such as septic tanks and caskets, against upward forces caused by rising water tables or flooding, particularly when they lack containers for holding weights like water, sand, or rocks.
Innovation Solution
An anchoring apparatus comprising a pair of bases with containers that have interior spaces, support portions, and fill holes, which are secured to the load using mounting straps or fasteners, and filled with weights to counteract upward forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional anchoring apparatuses are used, then the structure is simple, but they fail to effectively anchor buoyant loads against upward forces
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring apparatus is divided into multiple functional components: buoyant load section, anchoring weights, container structure with compartments, and filling mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system reliability against upward forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs anchoring weights stored in containers that counterbalance the buoyant forces acting on the load. These weights can be water, sand, or other dense materials that provide downward force to prevent the buoyant load from rising when the water table increases or flooding occurs.
2Reliability
If containers for holding weights are added to the anchoring apparatus, then anchoring reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container structure serves multiple functions: it stores anchoring weights, provides structural support for the buoyant load, and can be filled or emptied to adjust the anchoring force. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining improved anchoring reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring weights are nested within container compartments that are integrated into the overall apparatus structure. The containers can be positioned within or alongside the buoyant load structure, creating a compact nested arrangement that minimizes space requirements and reduces structural complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the anchoring apparatus uses adjustable weight containers, then adaptability to different conditions improves, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring apparatus incorporates adjustable weight containers that can be dynamically filled or emptied based on water level conditions. The system transitions from a static anchoring configuration to a dynamic one where weights can be added or removed to match varying buoyant forces, improving adaptability to different operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus includes automated or semi-automated mechanisms for filling and emptying the weight containers, reducing the manual operational burden. The system can automatically sense water level changes and adjust the anchoring weights accordingly, or provide simple interfaces that minimize the complexity of user interaction while maintaining high adaptability.
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 apparatus securely anchors buoyant loads by using weights within the containers to counteract upward forces, ensuring the loads remain fixed in the ground during flooding or water table fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
buried vessels which are buoyant in water face the problem of experiencing conditions which cause the buried vessels to rise out of the ground
Implementation Method 2
containers for holding weights such as water, sand, rocks, or the like
Data Source
AI summary
An anchoring apparatus for anchoring objects underground against upward forces includes a pair of bases, each of which comprises a container for holding weights. The object to be anchored may be positioned over the pair of bases such that the bases extend outwardly from the object. The bases are attachable to the load via mounting straps, threaded fasteners, or the like. The bases push against soil when upward forces act on the object, and the weights further operate to secure the object against the upward force.