Thermoplastic Post Anchor with Drainage and Ribs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior post anchors face issues with water accumulation leading to corrosion and damage, post swelling causing deformation, and exposure to elements like UV rays, which can lead to failure and destabilization of supported structures.
Innovation Solution
A post anchor made from UV-resistant thermoplastic polymer with textured surface, featuring interior ribs for expansion, elevated base for drainage, and thicker corners for strength, designed to prevent deformation and enhance durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a prior art post anchor with a cavity is used to secure a support post, then the post can be anchored to the ground, but water accumulates at the base inside and around the cavity causing the post to rot, warp or corrode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful water accumulation from the cavity by providing a drain hole that allows water to exit the cavity and flow away from the post base, thereby eliminating the water trap that causes rot and corrosion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a drainage dimension to the cavity structure by incorporating a drain hole that creates a vertical water escape path, transforming the cavity from a water-collecting space to a water-draining structure
2Reliability
If a corrosion-resistant coating is applied to the post anchor to prevent corrosion, then the metal base and sidewalls are protected, but the coating cracks under repeated post swelling cycles and eventually peels off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to thermoplastic polymer, which inherently provides corrosion resistance without requiring a coating that can crack, thereby eliminating the coating integrity problem while maintaining corrosion protection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a thermoplastic polymer composite material that combines corrosion resistance with flexibility, allowing the material to withstand post swelling cycles without cracking while providing inherent corrosion protection
3Strength
If the post anchor is made of metal to provide strength, then the structure can support heavy loads, but the metal is prone to corrosion from standing water and eventual failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thermoplastic polymer material that provides both the necessary strength for load-bearing applications and inherent corrosion resistance, eliminating the need for metal while maintaining structural integrity in wet environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material composition from metal to thermoplastic polymer, fundamentally altering the material properties to provide both strength and corrosion resistance without the drawbacks of metal corrosion
4Reliability
If the post anchor cavity is designed to fit the post tightly, then the post is securely held, but the post exerts excess pressure on the anchor when it swells or expands, deforming the anchor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material properties of the post anchor to a flexible thermoplastic polymer that can elastically deform to accommodate post swelling while maintaining secure holding, then recover its shape when the post dries or contracts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic interaction between the post anchor and post where the flexible anchor material can adapt its shape to accommodate post expansion and contraction cycles, providing continuous secure holding without rigid constraint
Data Source
AI summary
A post anchor for securing a support post for a structure comprises a base with four upstanding sidewalls forming a cavity into which a post is inserted, and means to secure the post inside the cavity. Interior ribs and exterior augmented corners resist deformation under pressure exerted by the post. Interior channels allow water to drain from inside the cavity toward a drain hole. The anchor post is slightly elevated relative to the ground, allowing air and water to circulate around the post and post anchor. The post anchor is made of a thermoplastic polymer which is given a textured surface, and may include an ultraviolet protection additive.