Modular Slope Securement Element With Adjustable Anchor Geometry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing slope stabilization elements lack flexibility and adaptability to varying geological conditions, are difficult to transport and assemble, and require complex component configurations.

Innovation Solution

A modular slope stabilization element with detachable and adjustable struts and an anchor rod mounted on a central coupling element, allowing for versatile shape and size adaptation, easy assembly, and compact transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rigid frame-like base structure with round timbers is used for slope stabilization, then avalanche protection effectiveness is improved, but flexibility and adaptability to uneven terrain and different geological conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveavalanche protection effectivenessVSAvoidadaptability to terrain conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The stabilization element is divided into multiple modular components: a base structure, support elements (struts), and a support surface (net or panel). These segmented parts can be independently adjusted and assembled in different configurations to adapt to various terrain conditions while maintaining structural integrity for avalanche protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support elements are designed with adjustable and movable connections to the base structure, allowing dynamic reconfiguration of the element's shape and size. This enables the same stabilization element to adapt to different slope angles, terrain irregularities, and geological conditions while maintaining its protective function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a scissor-like adjustable cross-shaped structure with two support elements is used, then certain degree of flexibility is improved, but ease of assembly and adaptability to different site conditions deteriorates due to limited variability

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidease of assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The structure is segmented into a base structure, multiple independent support elements (struts), and a support surface. Each support element can be independently adjusted or replaced, simplifying assembly and modification compared to rigid scissor-like mechanisms that require coordinated movement of interconnected parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base structure is designed with multiple attachment points and universal connection mechanisms that can accommodate support elements of varying lengths, angles, and configurations. This universal design allows the same base structure to work with different support element arrangements, enhancing ease of assembly and adaptability without requiring complex adjustable mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Strength

If complex component configurations are used in slope stabilization elements, then structural strength and stability are improved, but device complexity and difficulty of transport and assembly increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidcomponent complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stabilization element is divided into separate modular components (base structure, support elements, support surface) that can be manufactured, transported, and assembled independently. This segmentation reduces the complexity of individual components while maintaining overall structural strength through proper connection design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple functional components are merged into integrated modular units that maintain structural strength while reducing overall complexity. The base structure integrates attachment mechanisms for both support elements and the support surface, consolidating connection functions into unified components that are easier to manufacture and assemble.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4291720B1Element for slope securement
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 BETONFORM GMBH
  • EP4291720B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2b
  • EP4291720B1 patent drawingFigure 3~3d
  • EP4291720B1 patent drawingFigure 4~4d

AI summary

An element (10) for slope securement particularly in the field of avalanche protection, ground, scree and rock retention or stream bed stabilization, having a substantially cross-shaped strut part (1) in the form of a framework which defines a plane and is composed of a plurality of coupled-together struts (2), having a planar holder (3) fastened to the strut part (1), and having an anchor rod (4) or anchor element which projects rearwardly substantially perpendicular to the holder (3) and to the strut part (1) and which is fastened to the strut part (1), wherein between a free end of the anchor rod (4) and the struts (2) are provided holding cables (6) for bracing the anchor rod (4) at a preset specific angle to the plane of the holder (3), wherein on the strut part (1) is provided a central coupling element (5) to which the struts (2) are each fastened releasably and/or adjustably with respect to one another by one of their ends, and wherein the anchor rod (4) is mounted on the coupling element (5) in particular such that it can move in all directions to adjust a mounting angle in relation to the plane of the holder (3).