Ground Anchor With Threaded Neck And Tether Loops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current anchoring solutions for sports equipment are either heavy and difficult to move, require tools for installation, or lack stability, leading to safety concerns and inefficiencies in use and transport.
Innovation Solution
A ground-penetrating anchor with a flexible tether system that can be easily installed and uninstalled with or without tools, featuring a screw-threaded elongated portion and a neck portion with adjustable collars, allowing for secure anchoring of objects to the ground surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If counter ballast weights are used to anchor sports equipment, then the equipment is secured against tipping, but the weights are heavy and difficult to move
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical ballast system with a screw-threaded anchor system that utilizes ground penetration and friction. Instead of relying on heavy weights to prevent tipping, the invention uses a threaded rod that screws into the ground, converting the anchoring mechanism from gravity-based to thread-based mechanical engagement, thereby eliminating the need for heavy counterweights.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the anchoring function from the heavy ballast weight and separates it into a dedicated ground-penetrating component. The anchor rod is extracted as a separate element that can be independently installed into the ground, allowing the ballast weight to be removed entirely while maintaining anchoring functionality.
2Ease of operation
If J-hooks are used to anchor equipment, then installation requires no tools, but the anchors easily pull out due to relying only on friction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the friction-based J-hook mechanism with a screw-threaded engagement system. Instead of relying solely on friction between the hook and ground, the invention uses threaded rods that engage with the ground through screw threads, providing mechanical interlocking that significantly increases retention force while maintaining relatively simple installation procedures.
3Reliability
If rod and split washer anchors are used, then retention force is very good, but tools are required for installation and they are very difficult to install
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the anchor rod and mounting function into a single integrated threaded component. Instead of separate rod and washer elements that require complex assembly with tools, the invention combines these functions into one piece that can be directly screwed into the ground, eliminating the need for additional fastening components and installation tools.
4Reliability
If permanent anchors are used, then adequate retention force is provided, but installation time is the most and they are not adjustable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability to the anchoring system through a telescoping or adjustable-length rod design. The anchor can be adjusted to different lengths and depths, allowing installation in various ground conditions and equipment configurations. This dynamic capability enables quicker adaptation to different scenarios compared to fixed permanent anchors, reducing installation time while maintaining retention force.
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 anchor provides quick, secure, and tamper-resistant anchoring of sports equipment and similar items, enhancing safety and ease of use while being lightweight and easy to transport and store.
Implementation Method 1
a screw thread extending from the bottom end to a top end thereof
Implementation Method 2
J-hooks although time consuming to install, often easily pull out of the grounds because the only thing hold them in is friction between the rod and the surrounding dirt
Data Source
AI summary
An anchor for securing an object to a ground surface includes a lower portion having a screw thread extending from a bottom end to a top end thereof. A neck portion extends above the lower portion, is devoid of the screw thread, and terminates at a top end thereof at a first collar. A first loop of a flexible tether is fixed about the neck portion and confined thereto by the first collar and the screw thread. A second opposing loop of the tether is sized to accept the lower portion therethrough, including the thread, but not the first collar. With the tether fixed about the object and the bottom end of the lower portion traversing the second loop as the anchor is screwed into the ground surface, the loops are fixed about the neck portion with the tether secures the object to the ground surface.