Bullet Anchor System with Serrated Strap for Erosion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anchor systems for erosion control mats require complex securement of cables, leading to potential dislodgement and increased erosion due to slack or movement, and often necessitate expensive materials for durability.
Innovation Solution
A bullet anchor system with a serrated strap and lock washer, integrally molded with the anchor body, allows for secure anchoring with reduced worker requirements and eliminates the need for additional components, enhancing stability through serrations and an angled anchor tab.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional cable securement system with separate catch and cable is used, then the anchor can be installed, but the cable easily becomes dislodged or loosened requiring multiple workers and complex securement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the catch and cable into a single integrally molded strap component that is permanently attached to the anchor body. The strap includes a locked-end that is integrated with the anchor body, eliminating the need for separate cable securement mechanisms and preventing dislodgement or loosening that occurs with traditional separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The strap is segmented into functional zones including a locked-end integrated with the anchor body, a body portion with serrations for enhanced grip, and a free-end for tension application. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall system simplicity.
2Strength
If hardened steel or expensive materials are used for the driving portion of duckbill anchors, then durability and strength are improved, but material cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from expensive hardened steel to more economical materials while maintaining sufficient strength through optimized geometry. The anchor body is shaped with a bullet-like profile and integrated locking features that provide mechanical advantage and distribution of forces, reducing the need for high-strength expensive materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor body features a bullet-like curved profile that optimizes aerodynamic properties during driving and distributes mechanical stresses evenly throughout the structure. The curved geometry provides structural efficiency that compensates for using less expensive materials compared to traditional hardened steel duckbill anchors.
3Ease of manufacture
If the anchor body has a simple cylindrical or duckbill shape, then manufacturing is simpler, but the surface area resisting dislodgement is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds dimensional complexity to the anchor body by incorporating an integrated tab extending perpendicular to the main anchor body axis. This tab provides additional surface area that engages with the ground or mat structure, resisting dislodgement forces from multiple directions and planes, while still being manufacturable as a single integrated component.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor body features an asymmetric design with the integrated tab positioned at a specific angle and orientation to optimize resistance against dislodgement forces. The bullet-like profile combines with the offset tab creation to create an asymmetric geometry that maximizes mechanical engagement with the ground while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
4Reliability
If multiple workers are required to install the anchor system, then proper securement can be achieved, but installation time and labor cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated strap with its locked-end design provides self-service functionality where the strap automatically maintains its securement to the anchor body without requiring additional workers to apply beads or complex fastening mechanisms. The serrations on the strap body provide self-gripping characteristics that prevent slippage during installation and operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An anchor system for an erosion control mat is provided. The system includes a bullet anchor comprising a bullet anchor body and a bullet anchor strap integrally molded with and extending from a first side of the bullet anchor body. In embodiments, a lock washer is coupled to the bullet anchor strap. In embodiments, serrations on at least one side of the bullet anchor strap are adapted to prevent the lock washer from traversing the bullet anchor strap in a direction away from the bullet anchor. In embodiments, the lock washer is adapted to couple with an erosion control mat. In embodiments, an anchor tab on a second side of the bullet anchor body secures the bullet anchor body in a ground surface. The anchor system is utilized to secure the erosion control mat to the ground surface and prevent undesired movement of the erosion control mat.