Hex-Head Coil Anchor for Erosion Control Matting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing erosion control systems, such as mats and blankets, are unreliable and difficult to install, leading to potential failure due to removable securing devices like pins, pegs, or staples.
Innovation Solution
An erosion control securing apparatus with a hexagonal-shaped head and a coil portion, designed to engage with standard hexagonal tools, providing a secure and reliable installation mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional securing devices like pins, pegs, or staples are used to secure erosion control matting, then the installation process is simple, but the securing devices are easily removed and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The securing device is divided into distinct functional segments: a driving portion with a head for tool engagement, a shaft for penetration, and a coil portion with multiple turns for anchoring. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall reliability and ease of installation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of relying on friction or deformation like traditional pins, this invention uses a coil portion that expands outward upon insertion to create mechanical interlocking with the substrate. The coil structure inverts the traditional approach by using outward expansion rather than inward compression for securing.
2Ease of operation
If traditional securing devices are used, then installation may be simple, but the devices may not be able to be easily installed in difficult conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The head portion is designed with a hexagonal shape that can be engaged by standard hexagonal drive tools, making the device universally compatible with common toolsets. This multi-functionality allows the same tool to install various securing devices, improving ease of operation without compromising reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil portion is pre-formed with multiple turns before installation, allowing it to be ready for immediate deployment. This preliminary preparation ensures that upon insertion, the coil can immediately expand and anchor, providing reliable securing without requiring additional installation steps.
3Reliability
If a secure anchoring mechanism is implemented, then erosion control reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the securing device have specialized properties optimized for their specific functions: the head portion has a hexagonal shape for tool engagement, the shaft provides structural support and penetration capability, and the coil portion has multiple turns for anchoring. This local quality optimization achieves high reliability without requiring complex overall device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple functions into a single integrated device: the head serves as both the driving interface and the anchor point, the shaft provides both structural support and penetration capability, and the coil combines anchoring with soil engagement. This merging reduces the need for multiple separate components, maintaining simplicity while achieving reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An erosion control securing apparatus and method is disclosed. For example, an erosion control securing device is provided that includes a main shaft with a hexagonal-shaped head portion at its proximal end and a coil portion at its distal end. In one example, the coil portion of the erosion control securing device includes three turns. Further, a method of using the presently disclosed erosion control securing device for securing erosion control products is provided.