Beach Umbrella Anchor With Water Jetting Nozzle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for installing beach umbrellas are difficult and often result in the umbrella being easily lifted or blown down by wind, posing safety risks due to inadequate anchoring solutions.
Innovation Solution
An anchor device comprising an elongate tubular member with a nozzle and funnel design that uses liquid communication to create voids in the ground for secure placement, featuring a frustoconical cone, fins for stability, and a fixation screw for securing the umbrella pole, allowing for quick and secure installation without manual force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional methods (shovel or bucket-dug hole) are used to install beach umbrellas, then the installation process is simple and requires minimal equipment, but the umbrella is easily lifted or blown down by wind, posing safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies hydraulic principles by using water jetting through a nozzle to erode and remove sand particles, creating a cavity for the anchor. The high-velocity water stream cuts through the sand to form a hole, eliminating the need for mechanical digging tools while providing secure anchoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of sand by using high-velocity water to alter its structure. The water jet transforms the sand from a compact state to a loosened state, creating a cavity that can accommodate the anchor device securely.
2Reliability
If screw insertion devices are used for beach umbrella installation, then the anchoring security is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sand removal function from the anchoring device by using a separate water jetting mechanism. The anchor device itself focuses on providing secure anchoring through its structural design (elbow shape, fins), while the hole creation is achieved through the external water jet application.
Solution Approach 2:
The installation process is segmented into two distinct functions: (1) sand removal through water jetting, and (2) anchor insertion and securing. This separation allows each component to be optimized independently, simplifying the overall system while maintaining high reliability.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual hole digging is used, then the equipment required is minimal, but the installation time is excessive and productivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual or tool-based digging with a hydraulic system (water jet). This substitution dramatically increases installation speed while keeping the equipment relatively simple - essentially requiring only a water source and the nozzle attachment.
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
Enables rapid and secure installation of beach umbrellas, resisting wind and uplift forces, with prototypes remaining stable in high winds and gusts for extended periods.
Implementation Method 1
pouring liquid into the funnel such that the liquid exits the nozzle, creating voids in the earth as the liquid exits the nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
An anchor for supporting an elongate tubular object, the anchor including an elongate tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end; a nozzle at said proximal end, the nozzle having an opening remote from said elongate tubular member; and, a funnel at the distal end, the funnel tapering from a minimum diameter at the tubular member to a maximum diameter remote from the tubular member; wherein the funnel, the elongate member, and the nozzle are in liquid communication. The anchor may further include at least one fin extending outwardly from the tubular member, a fixation device for securing an elongate tubular object inserted through the funnel and into the tubular member, and/or a collar having an outside diameter greater than that of an outside diameter of the elongate tubular member.