Segmented Ground Anchor Rod for Multi-Layer Soil Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing anchoring devices are inadequate for soils of varying thickness and hardness, as screw anchors struggle in loose soils with insufficient thickness and self-drilling anchors are ineffective in hard layers or soils with compacted grain sizes and hydraulic grip.

Innovation Solution

A multi-layer anchoring device with a hollow rod featuring a positioning plate, helical force discs, and a cutting edge, allowing the first part to screw into loose soil and the second part to be anchored in harder soil layers, with a cylindrical casing for cement or resin injection to enhance stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a screw anchoring device is used, then it can stabilize structures in loose soils, but it 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 external threading for screwing into loose soil layers, and a second part for anchoring in hard soil layers. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for specific soil conditions, enabling the device to adapt to multi-layered ground compositions while maintaining reliable anchoring in each layer type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a self-drilling anchoring device is used, then it can anchor in hard ground layers, but it cannot be used in loose soils with insufficient layer thickness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different soil hardnessVSAvoidanchoring stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The device segments the anchoring function into two parts: the first part with helical discs provides screw anchoring stability in loose soil layers, while the second part with cutting edge provides self-drilling capability for hard soil layers. This segmentation allows the device to maintain anchoring stability in each specific soil type without requiring the entire device to be optimized for both conditions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different sections of the rod have different local qualities: the first part has external threading and helical discs optimized for loose soil engagement, while the second part has a cutting edge and different geometry optimized for hard soil penetration. Each local section is specifically designed for its intended soil type, enabling the device to adapt to varying soil hardness while maintaining overall anchoring stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If a single-type anchoring device is used for multi-layered soils, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot provide satisfactory anchoring in soils of variable hardness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structure complexityVSAvoidadaptability to variable soil conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The rod is segmented into two functional parts with distinct geometries and anchoring mechanisms. The first part features external threading and helical discs for loose soil, while the second part has a cutting edge for hard soil. This segmentation enables the device to adapt to variable soil conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that can be manufactured as a single integrated component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If the cutting edge diameter is greater than the rod diameter, then self-drilling capacity is improved, but the device cannot be screwed into loose soils effectively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveself-drilling capacityVSAvoidscrewing operation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rod is segmented such that the first part has a diameter and threading configuration optimized for screwing into loose soils, while the second part has a cutting edge with diameter greater than the rod diameter for effective self-drilling in hard soils. This segmentation allows the device to perform both screwing and self-drilling operations effectively by using the appropriate part for each soil type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different sections of the rod have different local qualities: the first part has a smaller diameter with external threading for easy screwing operation in loose soils, while the second part has a larger cutting edge diameter for effective self-drilling in hard soils. Each local section is optimized for its specific function, enabling the device to excel at both screwing and self-drilling operations in their respective soil types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2513378B1Ground anchor
Publication Date: 2015.11.04 DE PROD MECANIQUES ANCREST
  • EP2513378B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2513378B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2513378B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an anchoring device wherein a positioning plate (5), intended for bearing on the ground surface, is mounted onto a hollow rod (2). The rod consecutively supports, from the positioning plate (5) to the free end (22), at least one helical force disk (6) then one helical penetration disk (8). Said anchoring device is characterized in that the rod extends after the helical penetration disk opposite the plate (5). Said anchoring device is moreover characterized in that a bit (4) is placed on the free end of said rod so that a first portion of the rod (2), capable of being screwed into at least one first ground layer, extends from the plate (5) to the helical penetration disk and moreover so that a second portion of the rod (2), capable of being anchored in a second ground layer, extends from the helical penetration disk (8) to the bit (4).