Post Support Assembly with Lateral Anchoring Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional support arrangements for posts and masonry structures often fail to provide adequate stabilization, especially under large forces like wind, and require complex and costly repairs when stability is compromised, as they can only be placed close to the post and may not effectively distribute loads.
Innovation Solution
A support arrangement featuring a flat holding plate with movable spherical bodies that allow earth nails to be inserted at any angle, distributing loads laterally and providing a decentralized foundation that can absorb gravity pressure and transfer forces over a wider area, using steel beams and additional pegs for stabilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional ground anchors are used to support posts, then the posts can be anchored in the ground, but the arrangement cannot effectively distribute loads laterally and requires sufficient vertical clearance for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The support arrangement transitions from vertical anchoring only to include lateral support arms extending perpendicular to the post axis. These arms provide ground engagement points in the lateral dimension, enabling load distribution in multiple directions rather than just vertically downward.
Solution Approach 2:
The support arrangement is divided into separate functional components: a vertical support unit for anchoring and at least two lateral support arms for load distribution. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while simplifying installation procedures.
2Device complexity
If support arms are positioned close to the post, then the structure is simpler, but the load distribution area is limited and stability under large forces is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Support arms extend laterally perpendicular to the post axis, utilizing the lateral dimension to increase the footprint and load distribution area. This dimensional expansion provides greater stability without significantly increasing vertical complexity.
3Reliability
If conventional ground anchors are used, then anchoring is achieved, but extensive repair work is required when stability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support arrangement uses multiple independent ground anchors engaged by separate support arms. If one anchor fails or loosens, the other anchors and support arms continue to provide stability, allowing for localized repairs rather than complete system replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed load path through multiple support arms and ground anchors provides redundancy that cushions against failure. The system is designed with built-in backup pathways for load transfer, preventing catastrophic failure from single-point issues.
4Reliability
If vertical clearance is sufficient for screwing in ground anchors, then proper anchoring is achieved, but such conditions are rarely met in practice
Solution Approach 1:
The support arms extend laterally to provide ground engagement points that do not require vertical clearance above the anchor location. This lateral configuration allows installation in spaces where vertical clearance is limited, as the driving action can occur at ground level rather than requiring overhead space.
Data Source
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Figure 6~7
AI summary
Post support arrangement (40) for receiving and supporting a post (12, 13) for anchoring in a subsoil (7) comprising: - a post support structure which is inserted into the subsoil (7) and adapted to receive the lower end of the post (12, 13), - an underground ground anchor arrangement which is connected to the post support structure, consisting of at least two spaced-apart support arms (8a, b, c) which are connected to the ground anchor arrangement and extend at an angle to the axis of the post (12, 13), wherein at least one through-opening for at least one ground anchor (5) is arranged in the support arm, which is driven through the through-opening at an angle to the axis of the support arm (8a, b, c) into the subsoil (7), wherein the support arm (8a, b, c) is designed as a planar retaining plate (8a, b, c) which has several through-openings (38) in which a movable spherical body (18) is arranged is,through which the ground nail (5) is passed and that the spherical body is clamped in a position-secured manner between an upper retaining plate (19) and the lower flat retaining plate (8).