Fence Post Anchor With Segmented Base and Fins

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fence installations using concrete are logistically challenging and costly, particularly for DIY installations, due to equipment requirements and the need for deep holes, which discourages consumers from installing fences themselves.

Innovation Solution

A fence post anchor system with a base, upwardly sloping wings, and a sleeve that allows for stability without concrete, using a smaller, shallower hole filled with dirt, enabling easy installation and portability of fence components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If conventional fence installations use concrete for stability, then the fence post stability is improved, but the installation complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefence post stabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The anchor device is divided into distinct functional segments: a base portion for ground insertion, a vertical support portion for post mounting, and optional stabilizing fins. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall installation process while maintaining stability without requiring concrete.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts and eliminates the concrete component from the fence installation system. By designing a standalone anchor device that provides stability through its structural design (base portion, fins, and ground engagement) rather than relying on concrete embedding, the system removes the complexity and cost associated with concrete mixing, pouring, and curing while maintaining fence post stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Stability of the object's composition

If concrete is used for fence post installation, then stability is improved, but installation time and equipment requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefence post stabilityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The anchor device is pre-assembled and designed to be inserted into the ground as a complete unit. The base portion, vertical support, and stabilizing fins are prepared in advance, allowing for quick installation by simply placing the anchor into the hole and securing the post, eliminating the time-consuming steps of concrete mixing, pouring, and waiting for curing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The anchor device is designed as a simple, inexpensive metal or plastic component that can be quickly installed and removed if needed. Unlike concrete which requires significant time to set and cannot be easily removed, the anchor provides sufficient stability for its intended use period while allowing for future relocation or modification without substantial time investment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Stability of the object's composition

If conventional fence installations use concrete, then stability is improved, but portability and ease of removal are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefence post stabilityVSAvoidease of removal
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The anchor device provides a dynamic installation system where the fence post can be easily removed and reinstalled by simply lifting the post from the anchor rather than breaking concrete. The base portion remains in the ground providing continuous stability, while the vertical support and post connection allow for quick detachment and relocation, enabling flexible fence configurations and easy maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10428552B2Post anchor
Publication Date: 2019.10.01 SINCLAIR WILLIAM
  • US10428552B2 patent drawing
  • US10428552B2 patent drawing
  • US10428552B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A fence component buried in the earth having a generally planar base portion, having a generally flat bottom surface and a generally ridged upper surface. The fence component includes a generally vertical support secured to the base, the support located substantially off-center of the base portion.