Secure Post Base Plate Anchoring for Leaning Vertical Posts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for maintaining street signs and mailbox posts in a vertical position are either temporary, labor-intensive, or require removal and replacement, failing to effectively address the issue of leaning due to environmental forces and soil conditions.
Innovation Solution
The Secure Post device is installed around an existing post, providing additional stability by enlarging the area for force dissipation at the ground level, allowing for adjustment to various post sizes and soil conditions, and can be anchored with stakes to prevent leaning without removing the post.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If concrete is poured at the base of the post to provide permanent support, then the post stability is improved, but the installation time and labor effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the support system into separate functional components: an anchor assembly with multiple stakes distributed around the post base, and a base plate that distributes loads. This segmentation allows for quicker installation compared to monolithic concrete pouring while maintaining stability through distributed anchoring points.
Solution Approach 2:
The base plate acts as an intermediary element between the post and the ground, distributing the post's load to multiple anchor stakes without requiring concrete. This mediator component enables stable post support through mechanical anchoring alone, significantly reducing installation time and labor compared to concrete pouring.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the post is removed and replaced with a new post to correct leaning, then the vertical alignment is improved, but the complexity of the process increases due to utility relocation and reinstallation
Solution Approach 1:
The device allows for preliminary correction of leaning posts by providing adjustable base plates and extendable stakes that can be configured to realign the post to vertical alignment before final anchoring, eliminating the need for complete post removal and replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor system is designed to be universally applicable to various post types and soil conditions, accommodating different post diameters and providing adjustment mechanisms for various leaning angles, thereby solving alignment issues without requiring post replacement.
3Productivity
If stakes are used to anchor the device to the ground, then the installation speed is improved, but the holding strength in poor soil conditions may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses multiple stakes distributed around the base plate to counterbalance lateral forces and uplift loads on the post. This distributed anchoring approach compensates for poor soil conditions by spreading the load across multiple contact points, increasing overall holding strength while maintaining quick installation through simple stake driving.
Solution Approach 2:
The base plate extends the anchoring system horizontally across multiple dimensions, distributing vertical and lateral loads to multiple stakes positioned at different locations around the post. This dimensional distribution of anchoring forces enhances holding strength in poor soil while preserving installation speed.
Data Source
AI summary
A device installed at the base of a vertical post used to stabilize the post in an upright vertical plumb condition and prevent the post from leaning. The device is comprised of a flat base (1) manufactured in two halves so that when placed together has a geometric shape opening (3) of the same size of the post the device is to be installed around. The device base contains multiple secondary penetrations (2) of the cross-sectional shape of the anchoring stakes (9) to be used. The device is installed at the post base (8) by placing the two halves around the post and joining together at along a common line (5). The two halves are affixed together using a mending plate (7) and screws (6) or other type methods not shown. The anchoring stakes (9) are then inserted through the secondary penetrations (2) to affix the device to the ground.