Ground Stake with Aperture for Sign Frame Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sign frames are fragile and prone to damage during installation, requiring frequent reinstallation and causing inconvenience, as they need to be directly inserted into the ground.
Innovation Solution
A heavy-duty ground stake with a tapered shaft and ridges for enhanced gripping, featuring a small aperture on top to securely receive the leg of a sign frame, eliminating the need for direct ground insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional frames are directly inserted into the ground, then installation is possible, but the frame legs break or bend during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a ground stake as an intermediary component between the frame leg and the ground. The stake has a tapered shaft that is hammered into the ground, while the frame leg is inserted into an aperture at the top of the stake. This mediator allows the frame leg to be secured without direct impact with the ground, preventing damage to the fragile frame materials.
2Weight of moving object
If conventional frames are made of lightweight materials, then they are easier to handle, but they are weak and fragile
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into three distinct components: the lightweight frame structure, the heavy-duty ground stake, and the connecting aperture interface. This segmentation allows the frame to remain lightweight and easy to handle while the separate ground stake provides the necessary strength and durability to withstand ground conditions and external forces.
3Productivity
If frame legs are directly inserted into the ground, then installation is simple, but frequent reinstallation is required due to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The ground stake is prepared in advance by being hammered into the ground before the frame is installed. The aperture is already formed at the top of the stake, ready to receive the frame leg. This preliminary preparation of the mounting position allows for quick and damage-free installation of the frame, eliminating the need for frequent reinstallation.
4Strength
If heavy-duty materials are used for frames, then strength is improved, but installation into hard ground becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The ground stake serves as a mediator that handles the difficult task of penetrating hard ground through its tapered shaft design. Once the stake is in place, the frame leg can be easily inserted into the aperture without requiring the frame material itself to be driven into the ground, thus maintaining ease of installation while using heavy-duty frame materials.
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 stake provides a stable and secure means to support sign frames, preventing damage and reducing installation challenges, while allowing easy removal and reorientation without additional tools.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of ridges are integrated longitudinally along opposite sides of the shaft, each ridge points towards the terminating end... to better secure the stake onto a ground surface
Implementation Method 2
The stake can easily be hammered into the ground... The head abuts the ground surface when the stake is installed in the ground
Implementation Method 3
The head includes an aperture on the upper surface for receiving and accommodating a leg of a sign frame
Data Source
AI summary
A sign stake system designed for supporting various types of signage, particularly useful for campaign, yard, and garage sale signs is disclosed. The stake includes a head and a tapered shaft. The head includes an upper surface suitable for being struck by a mallet to facilitate easy ground insertion. An aperture is disposed on the head and is compatible with standard signage frame legs, ensuring a snug fit and preventing unintentional dislodgement of the sign. The tapered shaft features integrated longitudinal ridges for secure ground penetration and stability against wind and external forces. Additionally, the system allows for the use of multiple stakes, installed at specific distances corresponding to the frame legs of the sign, thus providing enhanced support and orientation.