Expanding Anchor Magnetic Marker Embedding
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing method of embedding magnetic markers in roads is labor-intensive due to the time required for the liquid protective material to dry and harden.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic marker with an anchor that expands in diameter upon embedding, along with an embedding jig and method that allow for efficient insertion and expansion of the anchor, reducing the overall labor time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid protective material is poured in and hardened to cover the embedded magnetic marker, then the magnetic marker is protected, but the labor time is unnecessarily long due to drying and hardening time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the protective function from the liquid protective material and transfers it to the case made of protective material that covers the magnet. This case is provided as part of the magnetic marker assembly itself, eliminating the need for separate liquid protective material application and hardening processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The case made of protective material is prepared in advance as an integrated component of the magnetic marker. By pre-assembling the protective case around the magnet before embedding, the protection function is already in place, eliminating the need for post-embedding protective material application and drying time.
2Strength
If the anchor is designed to expand in diameter when embedded, then the anchoring strength is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the expansion mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor transitions from a static cylindrical shape to a dynamic expanding structure. The expansion mechanism allows the anchor to change its diameter from a compact insertion size to a larger expanded size that provides stronger anchoring. This is achieved through elastic deformation of the anchor material or mechanical expansion elements that can be activated during or after insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor's diameter parameter is changed from a small insertion diameter to a large expanded diameter. This parameter change is achieved through elastic deformation, mechanical expansion, or phase transformation of the anchor material, allowing the same component to serve both insertion and anchoring functions with different dimensional characteristics.
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 proposed solution significantly reduces the labor time required for embedding magnetic markers by allowing the anchor to expand in place, thereby speeding up the process.
Implementation Method 1
a diameter expander configured to be loosely fitted in the sleeve so as to be movable in an axial direction... A lower portion of the diameter expander may include an enlarged-diameter portion that protrudes from the sleeve and increases in diameter downward. The diameter expander may be configured to be pushed upward by being embedded such that the lower portion of the sleeve is expanded in diameter.
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic marker is embedded in a road, and is configured to be detected by a magnetic sensor provided in a vehicle. The magnetic marker is provided with a case accommodating a magnet and a protective material covering the magnet, and an anchor that is provided protruding downward from the case and that is configured to expand in diameter in a state of being embedded in the road.