Inverted Cup Stake Captures Soil for Horizontal Pull Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stakes lack security due to loosening of soil around the stake when subjected to horizontal forces, leading to potential removal from the ground, especially when used for tethering pets or securing trees, as they do not effectively prevent movement or bending.
Innovation Solution
A stake assembly comprising a shaft with a spiral or straight design and an inverted cup that captures a large portion of the soil, providing increased resistance to horizontal movement by being driven into the ground and secured with a raised element, along with a loop or swivel for leash attachment and a carabiner for rope attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional stake is driven into the ground, then it can be easily installed, but the soil loosens around the stake under horizontal forces, reducing security
Solution Approach 1:
The stake is divided into two functional segments: an upper portion that extends above ground for attachment purposes, and a lower cup-shaped portion that is driven into the ground to capture soil. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally - the upper part provides attachment while the lower part provides anchoring security.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a simple linear stake to a three-dimensional cup-shaped structure that extends laterally into the ground. By capturing soil in the cup portion, the stake utilizes the third dimension (radial soil capture) to increase resistance against horizontal pulling forces, rather than relying solely on vertical depth.
2Reliability
If the stake is driven deeper into the ground to prevent pulling out, then security improves, but installation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of driving a solid stake straight down and hoping for adequate grip, the invention inverts the approach by using a cup-shaped portion that captures and holds soil. The cup is driven into the ground and then secures itself by capturing a volume of soil, creating a mechanical interlock that provides security without requiring excessive depth.
3Reliability
If a cup structure is added to capture soil, then resistance to horizontal movement increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the stake and cup into a single integrated assembly. The cup portion is formed as an integral part of the stake structure, eliminating the need for separate components. This merging reduces assembly complexity while maintaining the soil-capturing function that provides resistance to horizontal movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The cup-shaped stake serves multiple functions: it acts as the primary anchoring element, captures soil for security, provides a structure for attaching ropes or leashes through its upper portion, and resists horizontal forces. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A stake assembly provides an earth anchor and includes a stake having a longitudinal axis and an upper portion and a lower portion. The stake is attached to a cup having a sidewall defining a closed perimeter and a top wall substantially closing the sidewall, the sidewall having an open bottom end. The stake passes through the top wall with the upper portion above the top wall and the lower portion below the top wall. When the stake is pounded or screwed into the ground the cup captures soil which adds resistance to the stake being removed from the ground. One embodiment has the cup at an oblique angle to the top wall.