Dual Anchor Pole Marker System for Curb Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marking pole systems are not securely fixed to the edge of driving surfaces, leading to inaccurate identification of the driving surface edge, especially during winter conditions or when features like curbs are obscured, resulting in potential damage from snowplows.
Innovation Solution
A support system with a shaft member and dual radially extending anchors that securely position a marking pole relative to the driving surface, ensuring accurate edge identification by anchoring the pole firmly and preventing rotation, even under plowing forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a marking pole is inserted into the ground adjacent to the asphalt surface, then the pole can be positioned outside the rigid edge material, but the marker is offset from the true edge of the driving surface, causing plow operators to inadvertently plow into the curb
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a single vertical insertion point to a two-dimensional anchor system. The shaft member extends horizontally beneath the curb with anchors positioned at different locations, allowing the marking pole to be accurately positioned at the true edge while the anchors provide stable support below the surface, eliminating the offset problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft member acts as an intermediary element that connects the marking pole above ground to the anchors below ground. This intermediate structure allows the pole to be positioned accurately at the edge while the anchors, positioned away from the edge, provide stable support without interfering with the curb.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single anchor system is used to fix the marking pole, then the installation is simple, but the pole cannot resist plowing forces and maintain accurate position
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor system is divided into multiple segments (first anchor, second anchor, third anchor) positioned at different locations beneath the shaft member. This segmentation allows the system to resist forces from multiple directions, maintaining pole stability during plowing operations while keeping each individual anchor relatively simple in design.
3Measurement precision
If the marking pole is positioned close to the curb edge, then accurate edge identification is achieved, but the pole is vulnerable to damage from plow forces
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft member serves as a mediator that decouples the pole's position from its support structure. The pole can be positioned close to the curb edge for accurate identification, while the shaft member transfers loads to the anchors positioned away from the edge, protecting the pole from direct plow forces.
Data Source
AI summary
A support for positioning a marking pole relative to a driving surface and a method of using the same is disclosed. The support includes a shaft member extending between a first end and a second end and an intermediate portion between the first end and the second end. A first anchor extends from the second end of the shaft member. A second anchor extends from an area of the shaft member between first end and the second end of the shaft member. The shaft member defines a cantilevered section between the first end and the intersection of anchor. A receiver is at the first end of the shaft and configured to receive a marking pole.