Pole Reinforcement Sleeve Assembly for Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current pole reinforcement methods are inefficient, costly, and prone to corrosion, often requiring significant effort and equipment for above- and below-grade installations, and do not effectively address structural damage from weather and contact, leading to frequent pole failures and costly replacements.

Innovation Solution

A pole reinforcement system featuring a sleeve assembly secured around the pole with retainers and insertion attachments, allowing for both above- and below-grade reinforcement, utilizing lightweight composite materials and coatings to enhance stability and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If traditional heavy reinforcement methods are used, then pole stability is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepole stabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcement system is divided into multiple segments including above-grade sleeves and below-grade insertion attachments that can be installed separately. This segmentation allows for simplified installation processes while maintaining overall pole stability, as each segment can be installed independently using simpler equipment and methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediary components such as retention members and connection elements that facilitate the attachment of reinforcement sleeves to the pole. These intermediaries simplify the installation process by providing standardized attachment mechanisms that reduce the need for complex equipment and skilled labor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Duration of action of stationary object

If above- and below-grade reinforcement is implemented, then pole durability against weather and rot is improved, but installation time and resource requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepole durabilityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The below-grade insertion attachments are designed to be pre-positioned or pre-installed before the above-grade sleeves are attached. This preliminary action allows for more efficient overall installation by preparing the foundation elements in advance, reducing the total installation time and resource requirements while ensuring complete above- and below-grade protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Strength

If metal reinforcement materials are used, then structural strength is improved, but corrosion resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidcorrosion resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite material constructions where metal reinforcement elements are combined with corrosion-resistant materials such as coatings, linings, or protective sleeves. This composite approach maintains the high structural strength of metal while providing a protective barrier against corrosion from soil moisture and weather elements, thereby improving long-term reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Stability of the object's composition

If conventional reinforcement systems are used, then pole stability is partially improved, but cost increases due to heavy materials and multi-step installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepole stabilityVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcement system incorporates dynamic installation features such as adjustable retention members, flexible connection mechanisms, and adaptable attachment methods. These dynamic elements allow the installation process to be adjusted to different site conditions and pole types, simplifying the overall installation procedure while maintaining effective pole stability enhancement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10655356B2Pole reinforcement system
Publication Date: 2020.05.19 PERMAPOLE
  • US10655356B2 patent drawing
  • US10655356B2 patent drawing
  • US10655356B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A pole reinforcement system and method for improving the stability of a pole with both an above-grade and below-grade installation. The pole reinforcement system generally includes a sleeve assembly which is secured around a pole via one or more retainers which may comprise brackets, securing bands, or other structures. One or more insertion attachments are utilized so that the sleeve assembly may be secured to the pole at a position below-grade. The sleeve assembly may comprise one or more sleeves which are secured around the pole. By utilizing the present invention to reinforce the pole both above- and below-grade, the stability of the pole may be greatly improved over prior reinforcement methods.