Adjustable Pole Stand With Multi-Stake Anchoring for Soft Ground
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beach umbrellas and similar poles struggle to stand upright in soft sand or tough grass due to insufficient support, making it difficult to enjoy outdoor activities without sunburn and requiring a versatile, easy-to-set-up pole stand.
Innovation Solution
A pole stand comprising a base with stakes and an adjustable holder that can be easily transported and stored, allowing for secure anchoring in various ground conditions and adjustable pole orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If beach umbrellas are driven into soft sand, then the umbrella can be positioned upright, but the sand is too soft to provide sufficient support to keep the umbrella standing
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into multiple stakes (typically three) that are driven into the ground at angles around the base, rather than relying on a single vertical stake. This distributes the supporting force across multiple points, increasing overall stability in soft ground conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple support elements (stakes) with the central pole holder to create a unified support structure. The stakes work together with the base to form a stable tripod-like configuration that provides superior support in soft sand compared to a single stake system.
2Reliability
If beach umbrellas are driven into tough grass, then the umbrella can be positioned upright, but the grass is too tough to drive the umbrella deep enough into ground to keep it standing
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is segmented into multiple stakes driven at different locations and angles around the base, rather than requiring one deep vertical insertion. This allows the stakes to bypass tough surface grass and reach more favorable ground conditions at angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The stake system uses multiple material properties - the stakes themselves are designed with sharp points for penetration and sufficient length to reach stable ground, while the base provides a mounting structure that holds the stakes at optimal angles for penetrating tough grass surfaces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the pole stand is designed for stable support in various ground conditions, then it can accommodate different environments, but the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The stake system is designed to be universally applicable to various ground conditions (sand, grass, soil, pavement) without requiring different components. The same basic stake design works across multiple environments, achieving versatility through simple, robust construction rather than complex adaptive mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder mechanism allows the pole to be adjusted to various angles and positions, providing adaptability to different user needs and ground conditions. This dynamic adjustment capability is achieved through a simple rotating or telescoping mechanism rather than complex mechanical systems.
4Volume of moving object
If the holder and stakes are attached to the base for storage, then the stand is compact for transport and storage, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes more time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The stand is divided into separable components (base, holder, stakes) that can be independently stored and quickly assembled. The stakes can be detached and stored separately, allowing for compact packaging while enabling rapid setup by simply inserting the stakes into the base and mounting the holder.
Solution Approach 2:
The stakes are designed to nest within or attach to the base structure when not in use, creating a compact storage configuration. The holder may also collapse or fold to fit within or alongside the base, minimizing overall storage volume without requiring complex assembly mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A pole stand having a base, a holder removably attachable to the base, and a plurality of stakes to secure the base to the ground. A top surface of the base has a section to store the holder when not in use. A bottom surface of the base has a plurality of stake holders to hold the stakes when not in use. The holder has two tubes attached by link arms to allow the two holders to be adjustable relative to each other. The base also has a central main hole and a plurality of auxiliary holes so that a pole can be inserted through at least one of the tubes and through the main hole so as to be perpendicular to the ground, or through one of the auxiliary holes so as to be non-perpendicular to the ground.