Ground-Mounted Sign Pole Depth Control via Flange Stop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current outdoor sign systems face challenges in controlling the depth of pole penetration into the ground, which can lead to accidental interference with buried pipes and electric cables, especially in hard ground conditions, increasing the risk of damage to gas lines, oil pipes, and communication cables.
Innovation Solution
A mounting assembly with a flange and screw configuration that limits the depth of penetration by orienting the flange at right angles to the screw's longitudinal axis, ensuring the flange contacts the ground to prevent over-penetration, and using a preset screw length to maintain control, thereby reducing the risk of damaging underground infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a pole is hammered into the ground to achieve stable installation, then the pole can be securely fixed, but the penetration depth cannot be controlled and underground pipes or cables may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
A pilot hole is drilled into the ground before inserting the pole, establishing a predetermined depth limit. This preliminary action ensures that the pole cannot penetrate deeper than the pilot hole depth, preventing damage to underground utilities while still allowing secure installation.
Solution Approach 2:
A guide tube or sleeve is used as an intermediary component during installation. The guide tube is inserted to a controlled depth first, then the pole is inserted through it, ensuring the pole reaches only the intended depth without exceeding it.
2Strength
If the ground is hard, then the pole can be firmly anchored, but extra effort is required and depth control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The ground is pre-drilled to the desired depth before pole installation, reducing the force needed during insertion while maintaining firm anchoring. The pilot hole preparation eliminates the need to hammer through hard ground, making the process easier and depth control more precise.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual hammering is replaced with mechanical drilling equipment to create the pilot hole. This substitution provides better control over penetration depth and requires less physical effort, especially in hard ground conditions.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the pole is inserted deeply to ensure stability, then the pole is securely fixed, but the risk of penetrating underground infrastructure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The maximum safe depth is determined in advance by drilling a pilot hole or installing a guide tube to a depth that stops before reaching underground utilities. This preliminary depth setting ensures the pole achieves sufficient stability without penetrating harmful infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The pilot hole or guide tube acts as a preventive barrier that physically stops the pole from penetrating deeper than the safe depth. This preliminary anti-action prevents the harmful effect of damaging underground pipes or cables before it can occur.
Data Source
AI summary
A sign system and method for temporarily displaying signs. The sign system includes a mounting assembly, a pole and a sign. The mounting assembly is installed in the ground; the pole is engaged with the mounting assembly and the sign is engaged with the pole. The mounting assembly includes a flange with upper and lower surfaces; a base engaged with the upper surface and extending outwardly therefrom in a first direction; and a screw engaged with the lower surface of the flange and extending outwardly therefrom in a second direction. The flange is oriented at right angles to a longitudinal axis of the screw. When the screw is rotated into the ground the flange contacts the ground surface and limits the depth to which the screw may rotate. Additionally, the screw may be of a preset length to additionally control the depth of penetration of the screw into the ground.