Multi-Layer Soil Anchoring Device with Segmented Rod

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing anchoring devices are ineffective in soils with varying thicknesses and hardnesses, as screw anchors struggle in loose soils with insufficient thickness and self-drilling anchors are hindered by hard layers, leading to unstable structural anchoring, especially in soils with varying grain size and compacted mineral structures.

Innovation Solution

A multi-layer anchoring device featuring a solid rod with a positioning plate, helical force and penetration disks, and a cutting edge, allowing the rod to screw into loose soil and drill into harder layers, providing a mixed anchoring mechanism that adapts to different soil compositions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If screw anchoring devices are used in loose soil, then anchoring is possible when soil thickness is sufficient, but they cannot be used in hard ground layers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different soil typesVSAvoidanchoring reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The anchoring device is divided into two distinct parts: a first part with helical discs for screwing into loose soil, and a second part with a cutting edge for drilling into hard soil layers. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific soil type, resolving the contradiction between adaptability to different soil types and anchoring reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The single anchoring device incorporates multiple functions by combining both screwing capability (via helical discs on the first part) and self-drilling capability (via the cutting edge on the second part). This multi-functionality enables the device to operate reliably across varying soil conditions, from loose surface layers to hard underlying layers.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If self-drilling anchoring devices are used in hard ground layers, then anchoring is possible, but they cannot adapt to soils of lower hardness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different soil typesVSAvoidoperation difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device segments the anchoring function into two parts: the first part with helical discs that screws easily into loose soil, and the second part with the cutting edge that drills into hard soil. This segmentation makes operation easier across different soil types by providing the appropriate mechanism for each soil condition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device dynamically adapts its anchoring mechanism based on soil hardness encountered during installation. The helical discs engage with loose soil through screwing motion, while the cutting edge engages with hard soil through drilling motion, allowing the device to operate efficiently across varying soil conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a single anchoring device is used in multi-layer soil, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to multi-layer soilVSAvoiddevice structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into two functional parts along the rod: the first part with helical discs and the second part with the cutting edge. This segmentation provides the necessary versatility for multi-layer soil while maintaining relatively simple construction through straightforward welding of components to the rod.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device merges two different anchoring mechanisms (screwing and self-drilling) into a single integrated device. By combining these functions in one device with a unified rod structure, the complexity is managed while achieving versatility for multi-layer soil anchoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This device enables strong structural anchoring in soils with varying thicknesses and hardnesses, combining screwing and drilling capabilities to stabilize structures across multiple soil layers, including loose and monolithic soils, and performs well in underwater and compacted soils.

Implementation Method 1

a first part of the rod extends from the positioning plate to the helical penetration disc, this first part being able to be screwed into at least a first layer of soil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

a cutting edge is arranged at the free end of this rod, so that a first part of the rod extends from the positioning plate to the helical penetration disc, this first part being able to be screwed into at least a first layer of soil, and so that a second part of the rod extends from the helical penetration disk at the cutting edge, this second part being adapted to be anchored in a second layer of soil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical cutting: Abrasion

Data Source

PatentEP2466012B1Device for anchoring in multi-layer soil.
Publication Date: 2017.10.11 DE PROD MECANIQUES ANCREST
  • EP2466012B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2466012B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2466012B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The anchor has a positioning turntable (5) assembled on a stem (2). The stem is fully extended after penetration of a helicoid disk (8) to the positioning turntable. An edge (4) is laid out at a loose lead of the stem such that a part (23) of the stem extends from the turntable to the helicoid disk and another part (24) of the stem extends from the helicoid disk to the edge. The former part of the stem is screwed in a soil layer (31), and the latter part is anchored in another soil layer (32). A cylindrical envelope is formed around the former part of the stem.