Segmented Ground Anchor Rod for Multi-Layer Soil

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing anchoring devices are ineffective in soils with varying thicknesses and hardnesses, as screw anchors struggle in loose soils with insufficient thickness and self-drilling anchors are destabilized by deeper hard layers.

Innovation Solution

A mixed anchoring device with a hollow rod featuring a screwing part for loose soils and a self-drilling part for hard soils, equipped with helical discs and a cutting edge, allowing for adjustable penetration and cement injection, to securely anchor structures in multi-layered soils.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If screw anchoring devices are used in loose soil, then anchoring is possible when the first layer thickness is sufficient, but the device cannot be used in hard ground layers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different soil typesVSAvoidanchoring reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The rod is divided into two distinct parts: a first part with helical discs for screwing into loose soil, and a second part with a cutting edge for penetrating hard ground layers. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function, enabling the device to adapt to and reliably anchor in both loose and hard soil types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The anchoring device is designed with multi-functionality to perform both screwing action (via helical discs) and self-drilling action (via cutting edge). This universal design enables a single device to effectively anchor in various soil conditions, including combinations of loose and hard layers, eliminating the need for separate devices for different soil types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If self-drilling anchoring devices are used in hard ground layers, then anchoring is possible, but the device is destabilized by the depth to the surface in loose soil layers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to hard ground layersVSAvoidanchoring stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The rod is segmented into a first part optimized for loose soil (with helical discs for screwing) and a second part optimized for hard ground (with cutting edge for self-drilling). This segmentation ensures that when anchoring in hard layers, the helical discs provide additional stabilization in the overlying loose soil, preventing destabilization while maintaining the ability to penetrate hard ground.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If a single anchoring device design is used for both loose and hard soils, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and performance optimization for specific soil types deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structure simplicityVSAvoidoptimization for specific soil conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Rather than creating entirely separate devices for different soils, the rod is segmented into functional parts that can be manufactured with standard precision. The helical discs and cutting edge are distinct components that can be produced using conventional manufacturing methods, maintaining reasonable manufacturing precision while achieving the optimization needed for different soil types through the segmented design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 device provides strong structural anchoring in soils of varying compositions by effectively engaging both loose and hard layers, ensuring stability and resistance to different stresses through adjustable helical discs and cement injection.

Implementation Method 1

the first part of the rod extending between the first attachment end and the penetration disc being capable of being screwed at least into the first layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

a cutting edge arranged at the free end of the rod, the cutting edge having a diameter greater than the diameter of the second part of the rod

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical cutting: Abrasion

Implementation Method 3

at least a part of the rod and the cutting edge are pierced with holes for the injection of a cement or a synthetic resin for anchoring in compact soils of the rocky type

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCement bonding: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP2379811B1Ground anchor
Publication Date: 2015.10.14 DE PROD MECANIQUES ANCREST
  • EP2379811B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2379811B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2379811B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an anchoring device, in which a positioning plate (5), intended for bearing on the surface of the soil, is mounted on a hollow rod (2), the rod supporting in series, from the positioning plate (5) towards the free end (22), at least one helical disc (6) followed by a drilling disc (8), characterised in that the rod extends beyond the drilling disc opposite the plate (5), and in that a bit (4) is arranged on the free end of said rod, such that a first portion of the rod (2), suitable for being screwed into at least one first soil layer, extends from the plate (5) to the drilling disc, and such that a second portion of the rod (2), suitable for anchoring in a second soil layer, extends from the drilling disc (8) to the bit (4).