Resilient Collet Anchoring for Posts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for temporarily placing and removing poles and posts from the ground often require complex mechanisms, leave behind obstructions when not in use, and lack secure and reliable removal methods, especially for repeated use scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A quick-release locking system using resilient plastic collets and a housing with tapered sections for wedging contact, combined with a key and tool for secure installation and removal, allowing for easy and damage-free repeated placement and removal of elongate members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heavy laterally spread-out bases are used to hold posts on the ground, then the posts are stable and secure, but the area is obstructed and the system is not easily removable
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring system is divided into separate components: a ground-embedded anchoring means and a removable post with a foot. The anchoring means remains in the ground while the post can be removed, eliminating the need for heavy permanent bases that obstruct the area.
Solution Approach 2:
The post is extracted from the ground-embedded anchoring means for storage or relocation, while the anchoring means remains in place. This allows the area to be free of obstruction when the post is not in use, while maintaining post stability when installed.
2Ease of operation
If posts are forced into the ground to be held by friction, then the system is simple and easily removable, but the holding strength is insufficient for repeated use
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring means is pre-installed in the ground with a receiving cavity and locking mechanism before the post is installed. This preliminary preparation allows for both strong holding capability and easy removal without requiring excessive force during installation or removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static friction-based holding mechanism to a dynamic locking mechanism that can be engaged and disengaged. The locking means provides strong holding strength when engaged, while allowing easy removal when disengaged, accommodating repeated use scenarios.
3Reliability
If mechanical gripping devices such as keys or wedges are used, then the gripping action is magnified, but additional components and complexity are required
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means is integrated into the anchoring means as a unified system. The locking means works in conjunction with the receiving cavity to provide both strong gripping action and simple operation, eliminating the need for separate complex mechanical gripping devices.
4Reliability
If concrete bases are used to embed posts, then the posts are securely anchored, but the area is permanently obstructed and removal is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the permanent ground-embedded anchoring means from the removable post. The anchoring means provides secure anchoring in the ground while the post can be easily removed and reinstalled, combining the benefits of permanent security with temporary removability.
5Reliability
If a tapered lock or collet is used in sockets, then the pole is securely held, but authorized removal and damage-free extraction are not ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means is designed with a specific engagement mechanism that requires a tool for removal. This preliminary design ensures that only authorized personnel with the appropriate tool can remove the post, while still providing secure retention during normal use.
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
The system provides a simple, effective, and minimally intrusive method for repeatedly installing and removing poles without damage, ensuring secure anchoring and easy access for authorized personnel, while minimizing impact on the area when not in use.
Implementation Method 1
at least one elongate collet having an inward face shaped to fit along and around a section of said foot; and an elongate housing having an internal cavity shaped and dimensioned to house said at least one collet and said foot in combination
Implementation Method 2
with a key and tool for secure installation and removal, allowing for easy and damage-free repeated placement and removal of elongate members
Data Source
AI summary
An anchoring system to lock posts into housings mounted in the ground, or to lock pipes into housings within holes through walls or foundations uses plastic collets to match post outer profiles to inner housing profiles. The collets have two gently tapered circumferential areas which lock into corresponding tapered areas in the housing. Keys help to lock the post into the collet and in turn into the housing. Customized collets match incompatible posts and housings. The anchored post may be released for re-use, with a security release system that requires the use of special tools.