Stowable tie down stake
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tie down stakes lack an efficient method for storage, often being loose in bags or pouches, which can lead to disorganization and difficulty in handling multiple stakes.
Innovation Solution
The design of tie down stakes with a protrusion and socket system allows for releasable, self-retaining mounting connections, enabling stakes to be chained together for storage, with each stake interfacing with others to form a secure, compact configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If tie down stakes are stored loose in a bag or pouch, then storage is simple, but organization and handling efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple tie down stakes are merged into a single organized unit by connecting them through the mounting structure (protrusion and socket interface), transforming loose individual stakes into a connected assembly that maintains organization while enabling efficient handling
Solution Approach 2:
The stakes are nested together through the mounting structure where protrusions of one stake fit into sockets of another, creating a compact nested arrangement that improves both storage organization and handling efficiency
2Ease of operation
If tie down stakes are connected to form a storage configuration, then organization and handling improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure with protrusion and socket serves multiple functions: it enables stakes to connect to each other for organized storage, allows easy attachment and detachment for handling, and maintains structural integrity. This multi-functionality improves handling efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure is self-contained and self-explanatory, with protrusions and sockets that naturally guide connection without requiring additional tools, fasteners, or complex assembly instructions, thereby minimizing the actual complexity added to the system
3Strength
If stakes are driven into the ground to secure structures, then anchoring strength is achieved, but stake orientation stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
When stakes are connected through the mounting structure, they form a nested or interconnected configuration that provides mutual support and maintains relative orientation stability, reducing the likelihood of individual stakes rotating or shifting independently while still maintaining anchoring strength
Data Source
AI summary
A tie down stake and associated methods. The tie down stake is configured to mount on a second tie down stake in a storage configuration. Multiple tie down stakes can be chained to each other by releasable mounting connections formed by adjacent tie down stakes in the chain.