Helical Pole Support Bracket for Unstable Soil
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support systems for structures in unstable soils are often complex and require specialized tools for installation, making them difficult to use effectively in soft or unstable ground conditions.
Innovation Solution
A helical pole support bracket system that can be driven into the ground using standard drilling equipment, featuring a helical screw and a support plate, allowing for stabilization of poles without the need for specialized tools, by forming a hole and inserting the support assembly with a drive tool, and back-filling to secure the pole.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a camming plate bearing system with threaded shaft and multiple collars is used to support a pole in unstable soil, then the pole can be stabilized, but the installation requires specialized tooling and becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into separate functional components: a helical screw for ground anchoring, a support bracket for pole mounting, and a drive tool for installation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies installation by enabling modular assembly and removal of the drive tool after installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive tool is extracted as a temporary installation aid only, not part of the final support structure. After the helical screw is driven into the ground and the support bracket is installed, the drive tool is removed, leaving a simple pole support system without specialized components.
2Reliability
If a helical pile with T-shaped head member is used for ground anchoring, then the structure can be stabilized, but specialized installation equipment is still required
Solution Approach 1:
The helical screw design with a standardized drive interface allows the same component to be installed using common drilling equipment rather than specialized tools. The square drive interface provides universal compatibility with standard drill drives, making the system adaptable to existing equipment without requiring specialized installation tools.
3Length of moving object
If a tubular base is inserted using a drilling rig and rammed down, then deep ground penetration is achieved, but the equipment required is highly specialized and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The ramming action is replaced with a screwing mechanism. Instead of using a drilling rig to ram a tubular base down, the helical screw threads convert rotational motion from a standard drill into linear advancement, allowing deep penetration using simple rotational force that can be applied by common drilling equipment.
4Reliability
If expandable legs are forced outward into the soil to stabilize a structure, then the support is secured, but the installation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion mechanism is extracted and replaced with a simpler helical screw design. Instead of forcing expandable legs outward into the soil, the helical threads directly engage the soil through rotation, providing secure anchoring without the complexity of expandable components or additional actuation mechanisms.
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 system provides stable support for poles in soft or unstable soils, preventing sinking or movement, and can be installed using common drilling equipment, reducing complexity and the need for specialized tools.
Implementation Method 1
a helical screw formed at a bottom end and a top end for supporting the pole or other support member
Implementation Method 2
The helical screw is rotated to advance the support assembly into the ground
Data Source
AI summary
A method of installing a support structure is provided for use in soft or unstable soil. The method forms a hole in the earth to a depth sufficient to support the structure, such as a utility pole or post. A pole support is placed in the hole and driven downward into the earth to form a supporting base at the bottom of the hole. The pole support in one embodiment has a helical screw at a bottom end and a flat supporting plate at the top end. The pole support is rotated by a drive member into the earth to position the support plate at the bottom of the hole. The support plate can have a hole in the top face to receive the drive member for rotating the support member to drive the screw into the earth. The drive member is then separated and lifted from the hole. The pole or post is positioned on the support plate and the hole is back-filled.