Segmented Anchoring Assembly for Yieldable Traffic Poles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Yieldable traffic poles in the traffic environment face instability and risk of being drawn out during collisions due to inadequate anchoring, especially in channels with irregularities caused by casting processes, which compromises their load-bearing capacity and safety.
Innovation Solution
An anchoring assembly comprising segmented retaining elements, including a first retaining element with coordinated segments and a second retaining element with a frustoconical shape, securely fixes the pole within the anchoring element, ensuring stability and preventing displacement during collisions, while accommodating irregularities in the channel dimensions and surface evenness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the pole is anchored in a ground sleeve placed in a dug hole or uncured concrete, then the installation process is simplified, but the stability and load bearing capacity of the pole depend heavily on ground conditions and concrete quality, resulting in inadequate anchoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an anchoring device as an intermediary component between the pole and the ground/concrete. This device includes a base plate with anchoring means (such as expansion anchors or threaded rods) that actively secure the pole, rather than relying solely on passive ground conditions. The intermediary anchoring device mediates the connection, providing reliable stability regardless of ground variability.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring device changes the anchoring parameters from passive reliance on ground conditions to active mechanical fixation. The base plate distributes loads over a larger area, and the anchoring means (expansion anchors, threaded rods) transform the connection mechanism from friction-dependent to mechanically interlocked, fundamentally changing how the pole is secured.
2Strength
If the pole is anchored in a cast element channel, then the anchoring structure is more robust, but the casting process creates irregularities in dimensions and surface evenness, making secure anchoring difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate provides a localized stable platform within the irregular channel. Rather than requiring the entire channel to be perfectly formed, the base plate creates a local zone of uniform contact and load distribution. The anchoring means are positioned at specific locations on the base plate where precise engagement with the channel is achieved, compensating for overall channel irregularities.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring system is segmented into distinct functional components: the base plate for load distribution, the anchoring means for secure fixation, and the pole mounting interface. This segmentation allows each component to address specific issues - the base plate accommodates channel irregularities while the anchoring means provide precise mechanical engagement.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If yieldable poles are designed with local weakenings and reinforcements to provide yielding effect, then the pole can dissipate kinetic energy during collision, but the base of the pole must remain firmly anchored to prevent being drawn out during collision
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring device provides a counteracting anchoring force that balances the collision forces attempting to pull the pole out. The base plate with its anchoring means creates a reaction force system that opposes the horizontal collision forces, ensuring the pole base remains firmly positioned while the pole shaft yields to dissipate energy.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns an anchoring assembly for anchoring a pole (24) within a channel (12) in an anchoring element (8), comprising a first retaining element (4) and a second retaining element (6), each of said retaining elements being segmented in at least three interconnected parts, and further a method for anchoring a pole (24) in an anchoring element (8), comprising the use of the anchoring assembly.