Ground Screw Storage Device with Rotating Rod Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for securing items against theft are cumbersome to assemble and use, making them inefficient for temporary storage solutions at locations like open-air swimming pools or campsites.

Innovation Solution

A compact storage device with a base part and an upper part, featuring a ground screw and a housing that can be easily anchored to the ground, with a rotatable rod and locking mechanism for secure storage, allowing for simple assembly and use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a device with separate base plate, housing, and mounting components is used, then security against theft is improved, but assembly complexity and ease of use deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity against theftVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ground screw is integrated directly into the housing as a single unit, eliminating the need for separate base plates, mounting plates, and fasteners. This merging of components maintains the anchoring security function while dramatically simplifying the device structure and assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated housing with built-in ground screw serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the protective enclosure, the anchoring mechanism, and the mounting structure in one component, replacing what previously required multiple separate parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple separate components with fasteners are used, then security against theft is improved, but ease of manufacture and assembly deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity against theftVSAvoidease of manufacture and assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The housing and ground screw are combined into a single integrated component that can be manufactured as one piece using processes like polymer injection molding or 3D printing, eliminating the need to manufacture and assemble multiple separate parts with fasteners.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The manufacturing approach changes from assembling multiple metal components with fasteners to forming a single integrated component through modern manufacturing processes such as injection molding or additive manufacturing, improving ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If a rod with axial rotation capability is added, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rod is designed to rotate freely about its longitudinal axis, allowing it to adapt to different orientations and making it easier to insert and operate, while the rotation capability is achieved through simple bearing support rather than complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rod acts as an intermediary element that connects the top shell to the housing, allowing the top shell to be secured while maintaining the ability to rotate independently, thus simplifying the overall coupling mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3438393B1Device for storing objects
Publication Date: 2020.06.24 ZAPPI DENNIS
  • EP3438393B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3438393B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3438393B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device that can be anchored in the ground and serves to store objects. According to the invention, a base (20) and an upper part (10) are provided. The base (20) comprises a ground screw (22) that can be secured by screwing it into the ground or the like, and a housing (30) that is rigidly connected to the ground screw (22). The upper part (10) has an upper shell (12) that can be placed over the housing (30) of the base (20) and rigidly connected to the base by means of a rod (50). The device according to the invention is characterized by said rod (50), which can be pivoted and also rotated axially about its longitudinal axis. When this rod (50) is in a horizontal position, it can be used to screw the ground screw (22) in and out.If, on the other hand, this rod (50) is pivoted vertically, it can be used to attach the upper part (10) to the base part (20) without the ground screw (22) being able to be unscrewed from the ground.