Landscape Edging Spike with Angled Ridges and Stabilizer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing garden edging systems are prone to dislodging due to environmental factors like heating, freezing, and moisture, leading to the need for an improved anchoring system that is robust and resistant to damage during installation and after installation.
Innovation Solution
A spike with a circular disk-shaped head and angled ridges on its shaft, along with optional wings and an upper head stabilizer, is designed to securely anchor edging products by resisting upward movement and facilitating insertion into the ground, while the stabilizer supports the head during installation impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple anchor portion is used in edging material, then installation is easy, but the edging material is easily dislodged by environmental factors like heating, freezing, and moisture
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor spike is segmented into distinct functional features: a pointed tip for insertion, angled ridges for mechanical interlocking with soil, and a flattened head for installation. Each segment performs a specific function that collectively solves the contradiction between easy installation and reliable anchoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor spike employs asymmetric geometry with angled ridges that provide different characteristics for insertion versus resistance. The ridges are angled to facilitate downward insertion while providing upward resistance, creating asymmetric behavior that addresses both ease of installation and reliability.
2Reliability
If a robust anchor system is designed to resist environmental factors, then reliability improves, but the anchor may be damaged during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The pointed tip is designed in advance to facilitate easy insertion into the ground, allowing the anchor to be installed without requiring excessive force that could damage the structure. The preliminary design of the tip geometry prevents installation damage while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flattened head and angled ridges are designed to distribute installation forces and provide structural reinforcement before environmental loads are applied. This preliminary structural design cushions the anchor against potential damage during the installation process while maintaining reliability.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the anchor portion is designed to delay dislodging, then some retention is achieved, but it does not prevent dislodging in many situations
Solution Approach 1:
The angled ridges create a curved, arc-shaped engagement path with the soil that provides continuous mechanical interlocking. This curved geometry is more effective at preventing dislodging than straight or flat surfaces, transforming partial retention into reliable prevention against environmental forces.
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 spike effectively secures edging products against environmental factors and withstands installation impacts, providing a durable and efficient anchoring solution that resists upward movement and frost heave.
Implementation Method 1
the upper edge of each ridge may dig into or engage the ground when the spike is urged or moved in an upward direction
Implementation Method 2
A conical tip 18 may be provided at the opposite end of the head 14
Implementation Method 3
Off center blows by the hammer onto the head may tend to break, dislodge or contort the head and adjacent portions of the shaft
Data Source
AI summary
This invention in various embodiments is a spike for use with landscape and paver edging. The spike may include a generally circular disk-shaped head and opposite from the head is a tip of the spike. The spike may include one or more features for securing the spike in place once installed with the edging product. Another feature according to various embodiments of this invention of the spike is an upper head stabilizer. The stabilizer may extend from the shaft to an underside of the head. In some embodiments, the stabilizer may be provided in discrete sections and positioned diametrically opposite from one another on the shaft and the undersurface of the head. The stabilizer may support the entire radial dimension of the head and is joined to the shaft.