Ground Cover Stake Integration with Elastic Tethers for Wind Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recreational ground covers often fail to remain in place effectively against wind and other disturbing forces due to lack of secure affixing mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
Integration of stakes coupled with ground covers via elastic tethers, with storage components to stow stakes when not in use, and weighted flaps to increase stability, preventing slipping and movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If ground covers are made of light-weight materials and pack into carrying pouches for convenience, then portability and ease of storage are improved, but the ability to remain in place against wind and disturbing forces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ground cover system is segmented into multiple functional components: the ground cover itself, multiple stakes for different ground types, elastic tethers for tensioning, and weighted corners for stability. Each component addresses specific stability needs while maintaining overall portability through compact storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The stakes are stored within pockets integrated into the ground cover, with the pockets forming a compact arrangement that nests the stakes efficiently. This nested storage minimizes the packed volume while ensuring all stabilization components are readily accessible when deployed.
2Reliability
If stakes are added to affix ground covers to the ground, then stability and resistance to wind forces are improved, but device complexity and storage requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The stakes are merged with the ground cover by integrating storage pockets directly into the cover structure. The pockets are formed from the same material layers as the ground cover, creating a unified design that eliminates separate storage containers and reduces overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground cover system is designed with multi-functionality: the corners serve both as structural elements of the cover and as storage locations for stakes. The weighted corners provide both structural integrity to the cover and stabilization weight when deployed, reducing the need for separate components.
3Ease of operation
If elastic tethers are used to couple stakes with ground covers, then ease of operation and quick deployment are improved, but reliability and secure affixing deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic tethers are pre-attached to the ground cover corners and stakes, eliminating the need for separate attachment steps during deployment. The tethers are already tensioned and ready to engage, allowing users to simply insert the stakes into the ground and the tethers automatically provide tensioning and secure affixing.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic material properties of the tethers allow dynamic parameter changes: the tethers stretch to accommodate ground irregularities and stake insertion variations, then maintain constant tension to secure the ground cover. This elastic parameter adjustment ensures both ease of deployment and reliable secure affixing across different ground conditions.
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 solution ensures the ground cover remains securely in place even under windy conditions and user movement, providing stability and ease of use by incorporating elastic tethers and weighted components.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more tethers may include an elastic material. The elastic material may include a flat elastic band in some embodiments; some embodiments may utilize a round elastic chord.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and device for affixing a ground cover to the ground are provided in accordance with various embodiments. For example, some embodiments include a system that may include a ground cover and one or more stakes coupled with the ground cover. In some embodiments, the one or more stakes are coupled with the ground cover utilizing one or more tethers. The one or more tethers may include one or more elastic materials. In some embodiments, the one or more elastic materials include one or more flat elastic bands. In some embodiments, the one or more elastic materials include one or more round elastic chords. Some embodiments of the system include one or more storage components coupled with the ground cover; each of the one or more storage components may be configured to stow one of the one or more stakes.