Helical Pile Headstone Support Anchoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Headstones often become angled or fall over due to soil movement, as existing designs lack effective stabilization mechanisms to maintain a vertical orientation.

Innovation Solution

A support apparatus comprising a pile with a helical member anchored in the soil, a pile head with a mounting and holding portion, including a peg or clamp assembly, to securely engage the headstone and prevent movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a headstone is installed vertically in the soil, then it can be viewed properly and maintains aesthetic appearance, but soil movement causes it to become angled or fall over

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of headstoneVSAvoidvertical orientation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The support apparatus divides the stabilization function into separate components: a pile driven into the soil for anchoring, a pile head for connection, and a holding portion for engaging the headstone. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function effectively, with the pile providing deep soil anchorage and the holding portion providing secure headstone engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pile is installed in advance into the soil at the desired location before the headstone is positioned. The pile and pile head are pre-assembled with the holding portion, creating a ready-to-use support structure that simply needs to be installed into the ground. This preliminary action ensures proper positioning and stability from the outset.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the headstone is deeply embedded in the soil for stability, then it resists soil movement better, but installation becomes more difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to soil movementVSAvoidinstallation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The helical pile design allows the pile to be screwed into the soil using its own structure, similar to how a screw fastens into material. The helical blades engage the soil progressively as the pile is rotated, creating its own installation mechanism without requiring complex heavy equipment or multiple installation steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The traditional method of driving piles using heavy impact equipment is replaced with a rotational screwing action. The helical member converts rotational motion into linear advancement into the soil, providing a more controlled and equipment-light installation process while achieving the same anchoring depth and stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If a simple vertical insertion method is used, then installation is quick and easy, but the headstone lacks effective stabilization against soil movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidprevention of tilting

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The helical member features a curved, spiral geometry that engages the soil in a progressive rotational manner. This curved design provides superior soil engagement compared to straight vertical insertion, creating multiple anchoring points along the pile length that effectively resist rotational and lateral forces from soil movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The installation method transitions from simple vertical insertion to rotational screwing. This parameter change in the installation motion allows the helical blades to cut into and engage the soil progressively, creating a more secure anchor that resists both vertical and lateral forces while maintaining installation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If the holding portion is designed to securely engage the headstone, then it prevents movement effectively, but the apparatus complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of headstone movementVSAvoidstructure of support apparatus

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding portion integrates multiple functions into a single component: it connects the pile head to the headstone, provides positioning alignment, and secures the headstone in the vertical orientation. This merging of functions reduces the need for separate alignment tools, positioning devices, and fastening mechanisms, thereby simplifying the overall apparatus despite its enhanced capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 apparatus effectively maintains headstones in a vertical orientation by anchoring them in the soil, resisting soil movement and preventing tilting or falling, ensuring long-term stability and visibility.

Implementation Method 1

a helical member secured to the bottom end of the pile

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentUS10982460B2Support apparatus for supporting a headstone

Publication Date: 2021.04.20 GOLIATHTECH

AI summary

A support apparatus for supporting a headstone, the apparatus comprising: a pile having a top end and a bottom end; a helical member secured to the bottom end of the pile; and a pile head secured to the top end of the pile, the pile head having a mounting portion engaging the top end of the pile and a holding portion extending away from the mounting portion for engaging a bottom end portion of the headstone to maintain the headstone in a vertical orientation.