Sheet Anchor Structure for Multi-Directional Hole Anchorage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions fail to provide a reliable anchoring point on a sheet of rigid support material, such as ice, to rescue a stuck land vehicle by creating a fixed anchoring point that can withstand forces applied in various directions.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a frame member with a face-engagement member for the distal face and a buttress member for the peripheral wall of a hole, which resists removal and movement by engaging the sheet and hole wall at diametrically opposite locations, providing a stable anchoring point for objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple anchor is used to attach to the sheet, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of the anchoring point deteriorates because it cannot withstand forces applied in various directions
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor device is divided into multiple functional segments: a frame member for structural support, a first face-engagement member for engaging the distal face, a second face-engagement member for engaging the proximal face, and a buttress member for engaging the peripheral wall. Each segment performs a specific function, and together they create a reliable anchoring system that can withstand multi-directional forces while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
2Device complexity
If a single engagement point is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to resist movement in various directions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different engagement points are positioned at specific locations to address local stability requirements: the face-engagement members are positioned at the distal and proximal faces to resist axial removal forces, while the buttress member is positioned to engage the peripheral wall at an optimal angle to resist transverse and torque forces. This strategic placement of engagement points creates comprehensive stability without requiring excessive numbers of components.
3Ease of operation
If the anchor engages only the distal face, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because it cannot resist removal forces effectively
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the anchor engage only the distal face as might be expected for simple insertion, the design incorporates a second face-engagement member that engages the proximal face. This inverted approach of engaging both faces creates a clamping action that significantly enhances resistance to removal forces while maintaining ease of insertion through the hole, as the engagement of both faces provides mechanical advantage for securing the anchor in place.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for use with a sheet of rigid support material at a hole formed therein through a thickness of the sheet to provide an anchoring point at a proximal face of the sheet for anchoring an object thereto comprises a frame member supporting a face-engagement member for engaging a distal face of the sheet which is spaced from the proximal face by the thickness of the sheet, so as to resist removal from within the hole by the object anchored to the apparatus, and a buttress member also supported on the frame member for buttingly engaging a peripheral wall of the hole so as to resist movement transversely to a thickness direction of the sheet.