Modular Polymeric Ground Anchor for Temporary Structures

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional ground anchoring methods using concrete are costly, environmentally unfriendly, and prone to durability issues, with concrete foundations requiring significant resources, causing soil pollution and being sensitive to placement conditions, and alternative buried anchoring devices lack sufficient weight and resistance in loose soils.

Innovation Solution

A modular ground anchoring device comprising a central box structure made from polymeric materials, featuring a cylindrical hollow volume formed by interconnected panels with staggered yokes and buffer cylinders for flexibility, allowing for adjustable anchoring and reduced material usage, and a perforated plate for drainage, which can be filled with heavy materials for temporary applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If concrete foundation structures are used, then anchoring strength and stability are improved, but cost, environmental impact, and installation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanchoring strengthVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The anchoring device is divided into separate modular components: a base element with anchoring arms, a vertical shaft, and an interface element. These can be manufactured independently and assembled on-site, eliminating the need for complex concrete pouring operations while maintaining structural integrity and anchoring strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device uses lightweight, easily manufacturable components that can be produced at low cost using simple processes. The modular design allows for economical manufacturing compared to concrete, which requires formwork, reinforcement, curing time, and specialized equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Weight of stationary object

If concrete blocks are transported and handled, then foundation structure is achieved, but transportation cost and equipment requirement increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefoundation massVSAvoidtransportation requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The foundation structure is segmented into multiple lightweight components that can be transported separately using simple equipment and assembled on-site. This eliminates the need for heavy concrete block transportation while achieving the required foundation mass through the combination of components and backfill material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If concrete is used for anchoring, then structural stability is achieved, but environmental pollution and resource consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidsoil pollution
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device is designed to be removable and reusable. The modular components can be extracted from the ground without leaving permanent concrete structures that pollute the soil. The components can be recovered and reused for other anchoring applications, reducing resource consumption and environmental impact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Solution Approach 2:

The device combines different materials (metal components, geotextiles, backfill soil) to achieve structural stability without relying on concrete. This composite approach eliminates the harmful effects of concrete while maintaining the required stability through the interaction of various materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Ease of operation

If buried anchoring devices are used, then installation depth is reduced, but resistance to tearing in loose soils decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidresistance to tearing
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses the weight and friction of the backfill material placed around the anchoring arms to counteract tearing forces. The spreader arms are positioned to engage the backfill, creating a passive earth pressure mechanism that provides resistance to uplift and lateral loads without requiring deep burial.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The anchoring mechanism transitions from relying solely on vertical burial depth to utilizing horizontal spreader arms that engage the backfill in multiple directions. This dimensional change allows the device to achieve resistance to tearing through a three-dimensional distribution of forces rather than relying on single-direction deep anchoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3411531B1Modular device for creating an anchor point in the ground
Publication Date: 2020.03.18 CHEVALIER FRANCOIS
  • EP3411531B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP3411531B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP3411531B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention concerns a device for anchoring an erected structure in the ground without concrete. It is made up in part of a box-type structure (10) connected to an interface element (20) to which an erected structure (91), such as a lamp post, is fixed. The lower part of the central box (11) of the box-type structure (10) is connected to a base plate (12). An assembly of additional, lateral boxes (14) can be arranged, depending on the dimensions of the erected structure, and the forces, such as wind forces, it will be required to withstand.