Composite Anchor System for Corrosion-Resistant Utility Guy Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional utility structure supporting hardware made of galvanized steel is prone to corrosion and breakage due to underground exposure, necessitating frequent replacements and posing hazardous conditions.
Innovation Solution
Utilization of non-metallic composite materials like fiberglass or carbon-fiber for anchor rods and ground anchors, combined with crimp couplers and eyenuts, to create a corrosion-resistant anchor system that can withstand high tension forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If galvanized steel is used for anchor rods and ground anchors, then the initial strength and corrosion resistance are adequate, but the durability underground is poor due to corrosion and deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a non-corrosive core material (such as fiberglass or plastic) with a protective outer layer. The anchor rod includes a core made of corrosion-resistant material surrounded by a protective coating, creating a composite structure that eliminates the corrosion issues of pure steel while maintaining structural integrity and longevity in underground environments.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If non-metallic composite materials are used for anchor rods and ground anchors, then corrosion resistance and durability are improved, but the connection strength and tension capacity may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials with a non-corrosive core (fiberglass or plastic) combined with a protective outer layer, creating a structure that maintains high tension capacity while being immune to corrosion. The composite construction allows the internal structure to bear tensile loads while the outer protective layer prevents environmental degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective outer layer acts as an intermediary between the non-corrosive core and the corrosive underground environment. This intermediate layer protects the core material from direct exposure to moisture and chemicals, ensuring long-term structural integrity and tension capacity without requiring the core material itself to be corrosion-resistant metal.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional galvanized steel hardware is used, then the initial installation is straightforward, but frequent replacements are required due to corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The composite construction with pre-fabricated core and protective layer components allows for efficient manufacturing and assembly. The modular design enables straightforward installation similar to traditional hardware, while the inherent corrosion resistance of the composite materials eliminates the need for frequent replacements, saving significant time and resources over the structure's lifetime.
Data Source
AI summary
An anchor system for supporting a utility structure with a connecting guy wire is disclosed. The anchor system comprises: a ground anchor formed to be generally planar in shape having an inner surface around a center axis of the ground anchor to define an inner space extending between a top opening and a bottom opening, wherein the bottom opening is larger than the top opening; an anchor rod including a first end portion, a second end portion, and a rod body therebetween, the second end portion being shaped to be a wedge tapered longitudinally toward the rod body, wherein the shape and dimensions are configured to conform to the inner space; a crimp coupler crimped on the first end portion; and an eyenut for coupling the guy wire to the crimp coupler. The ground anchor and the anchor rod may be made of non-metallic composite material.