Vertical Standpipe Positioning Base with Orthogonal Ground Spikes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ground spikes or anchors are difficult to position vertically and lack orientation, making them cumbersome for laymen to use effectively for setting up items like parasols or flagpoles on dirt or lawn surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A stand with a base and orthogonally protruding receiving sleeve and ground spikes, where the base has a ring body and traverses for secure positioning, and optional features like friction-increasing textures and external threads for stability, along with a lever for easy removal, ensures forced vertical installation and secure anchoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If ground spikes are hammered into the ground without orientation features, then installation is simple, but vertical positioning precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidvertical positioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The base is designed with an asymmetric structure featuring a centrally located receiving sleeve that protrudes vertically, creating a unique orientation reference. This asymmetric design allows the base to be positioned correctly on the ground by aligning the receiving sleeve with the standpipe, ensuring vertical positioning without requiring complex orientation features during installation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The base structure itself serves as the positioning tool through its geometric design. The receiving sleeve protruding from the center of the base creates a self-aligning mechanism where the standpipe naturally guides the base into the correct vertical orientation during installation, eliminating the need for separate orientation tools or complex procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Strength

If ground spikes are made long for deep anchoring, then anchoring strength improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanchoring strengthVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The anchoring system is segmented into two distinct functional components: the base structure with the receiving sleeve for vertical positioning, and separate ground spikes for anchoring. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the base provides precise positioning while the spikes provide anchoring strength, reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base and ground spikes are merged into a single integrated unit that combines vertical positioning and anchoring functions. The base structure incorporates mounting features that directly attach the ground spikes, creating a unified device that achieves both precise vertical positioning and strong anchoring without requiring multiple separate components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If ground spikes lack friction-increasing features, then manufacturing is simpler, but anchoring reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidanchoring reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The ground spikes feature localized knurling or friction-increasing textures applied only to specific portions of the spike surface, particularly in the regions that contact the ground. This local application of enhanced friction features maintains manufacturing simplicity while significantly improving anchoring reliability in the critical contact zones

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 stand allows for easy and secure vertical positioning of standpipes or masts on uneven surfaces, ensuring stability and ease of removal, addressing the limitations of existing ground spikes by providing a user-friendly and secure anchoring system.

Implementation Method 1

The ground spikes may have friction-increasing texture, knurling, etc. so that they can be firmly anchored in the ground

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

the ground spikes have a type of external thread, which forms a resistance to being pulled out

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThreaded fastening: Screw

Implementation Method 3

a lever is provided for levering out the base or ring body with the ground spikes from the ground

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLever principle: Lever

Data Source

PatentEP3943691A1Stand for vertical positioning of a standpipe
Publication Date: 2022.01.26 WIEGAND LINUS
  • EP3943691A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3943691A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3943691A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a stand for vertically positioning a standpipe (8), mast, pole, etc., for example for a parasol, Christmas tree, flagpole, etc., on an earthen surface or on a lawn (7), with a base (1) defining a reference plane and a receiving sleeve (2) projecting orthogonally from the base (1) to the reference plane and connected to the base (1) for inserting and fixing the standpipe (8), wherein the base (1) has at least three orthogonally projecting ground spikes (3) on the side facing away from the receiving sleeve (2).