US20100139649A1 - Earth-Penetrating Expansion Anchor - Google Patents
Earth-Penetrating Expansion Anchor Download PDFInfo
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- US20100139649A1 US20100139649A1 US12/370,997 US37099709A US2010139649A1 US 20100139649 A1 US20100139649 A1 US 20100139649A1 US 37099709 A US37099709 A US 37099709A US 2010139649 A1 US2010139649 A1 US 2010139649A1
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- pole
- anchoring parts
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- 238000004873 anchoring Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 60
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 35
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 5
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000002708 enhancing effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000003491 array Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001413 cellular effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002452 interceptive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002689 soil Substances 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
- F24S25/60—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules
- F24S25/61—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules for fixing to the ground or to building structures
- F24S25/617—Elements driven into the ground, e.g. anchor-piles; Foundations for supporting elements; Connectors for connecting supporting structures to the ground or to flat horizontal surfaces
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
- F24S25/10—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules extending in directions away from a supporting surface
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
- F24S25/10—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules extending in directions away from a supporting surface
- F24S25/12—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules extending in directions away from a supporting surface using posts in combination with upper profiles
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/40—Solar thermal energy, e.g. solar towers
- Y02E10/47—Mountings or tracking
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates generally to ground anchors, and more particularly, ground anchors used to support solar collector arrangements.
- Photovoltaic arrays are used for a variety of purposes, including as a utility interactive power system, as a power supply for a remote or unmanned site, a cellular phone switch-site power supply, or a village power supply. These arrays can have a capacity from a few kilowatts to a hundred kilowatts or more, and are typically installed where there is a reasonably flat area with exposure to the sun for significant portions of the day.
- these solar collector assemblies have their solar collector modules, typically photovoltaic modules, supported on a frame.
- the frame is generally supported above the ground by vertical pier tubes.
- the vertical pier tubes are typically driven very deeply into the ground.
- the pier tubes may also be supported and stabilized by concrete footings.
- the apparatus includes a pole with a hollow portion therein and a bottom end which is configured to be driven into ground.
- Anchoring parts are configured to be radially extendable from the pole.
- an expansion mechanism is configured to apply a force to the anchoring parts so as to radially extend the anchoring parts from the pole after the pole has been driven into the ground.
- the arrangement includes a plurality of earth-penetrating anchors which are driven into ground.
- Each anchor includes (a) a pole with top and bottom ends, the pole having a hollow portion therein and a pointed tip at the bottom end which is configured to be driven into ground, (b) anchoring parts configured to be radially extendable from the pole, and (c) an expansion mechanism configured to apply a force to the anchoring parts so as to radially extend the anchoring parts from the pole after the pole has been driven into the ground.
- the arrangement further includes a support structure coupled to the plurality of earth-penetrating anchors. An array of solar panels is attached to the support structure.
- FIG. 1 (consisting of FIGS. 1A , 1 B, 1 C) is a schematic diagram depicting an earth-penetrating expansion apparatus and the operation thereof in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 2 (consisting of FIGS. 2A , 2 B, 2 C, 2 D and 2 E) is a schematic diagram depicting an earth-penetrating expansion apparatus and the operation thereof in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 3 is a close-up view of the deployed expansion mechanism of the earth-penetrating expansion apparatus shown in FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 4 (consisting of FIGS. 4A , 4 B, 4 C, 4 D, and 4 E) is a schematic diagram depicting an earth-penetrating expansion apparatus and the operation thereof in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 5 (consisting of FIGS. 5A and 5B ) is a schematic diagram depicting an earth-penetrating expansion apparatus and the operation thereof in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 6 (consisting of FIGS. 6A and 6B ) is a schematic diagram depicting a moment enhancing feature which may be added to various embodiments of the invention.
- FIG. 7 depicts an example solar collector arrangement in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram depicting an earth-penetrating expansion apparatus and the operation thereof in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention.
- the apparatus includes a steel pole (or tube or cylinder) 102 with a hollow portion therein.
- the pole has a bottom end 104 which is configured to be driven into the ground.
- the bottom end of the pole comprises a pointed tip to be driven into the ground.
- Anchoring parts 106 are configured to be radially extendable from the pole. As shown, the anchoring parts may comprise curved metal tines that may be extendable through corresponding holes 107 near the bottom end of the pole. Multiple anchoring parts are preferably configured. An exemplary embodiment may have two or three such anchoring parts and corresponding holes.
- An expansion mechanism is configured to apply a force to the anchoring parts so as to radially extend the anchoring parts from the pole after the pole has been driven into the ground.
- the expansion mechanism may comprise an inner rod 108 which is coupled via a plate (flange) 109 to a top portion of the anchoring parts.
- FIG. 1 A sequence of three illustrative diagrams is shown in FIG. 1 .
- the first diagram FIG. 1A ) shows the apparatus with the anchoring parts within the hollow portion of the pole, and the expansion mechanism not yet deployed. In this initial state, the bottom end of the pole may be driven into the ground.
- FIG. 1B The second diagram ( FIG. 1B ) shows the apparatus with the expansion mechanism in the midst of being deployed. As seen, the inner rod is being pushed down such that it presses down on the plate which forces anchoring parts to extend in a radial manner from the holes in the bottom end of the pole.
- the third diagram ( FIG. 1C ) shows the apparatus with the expansion mechanism fully deployed. As shown, the inner rod is fully pushed down into the pole, and the anchoring parts are fully extended radially (laterally) into the earth.
- the apparatus functions as an earth anchor which strongly resists both pull-out and lateral forces.
- the actuating mechanism in FIG. 1 is acts as a plunger under compression applying force to the anchoring part 106 .
- the rod or plunger may be removable from the apparatus and may be re-used to deploy multiple anchors. This configuration may advantageously further reduce material costs.
- FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram depicting an earth-penetrating expansion apparatus and the operation thereof in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention.
- the apparatus includes a steel pole (or tube or cylinder) 202 with a hollow portion therein.
- the pole has a bottom end 204 which is configured to be driven into the ground.
- the bottom end of the pole comprises a pointed tip to be driven into the ground.
- Anchoring parts 206 are configured to be radially extendable from the pole. As shown, the anchoring parts may comprise pieces of the pointed tip of the pole. In an exemplary embodiment, the pointed tip may be formed from three or more of the anchoring parts which may be coupled to the bottom of the pole using a hinge mechanism 207 .
- An expansion mechanism is configured to apply a force to the anchoring parts so as to radially extend the anchoring parts from the pole after the pole has been driven into the ground.
- the expansion mechanism may comprise an inner rod 208 which is inserted into the hollow portion of the pole and pushed down to the bottom of the pole.
- the rod may itself have a pointed tip 210 on its bottom end. When the tip of the rod passes through the tip of the pole, the anchoring parts rotate on their hinges so as to become extended in a radial manner from the pole.
- FIG. 2 A sequence of five illustrative diagrams is shown in FIG. 2 .
- the first diagram ( FIG. 2A ) shows the pole 202 positioned above the ground 201 .
- the tip 204 of the pole is to be driven into the ground for anchoring purposes.
- the second diagram ( FIG. 2B ) shows the pole after being driven into the ground.
- the third diagram ( FIG. 2C ) shows the inner rod 208 positioned so that its tip 210 is to be inserted into the hollow portion of the pole.
- the fourth diagram FIG. 2D ) shows the inner rod being pushed down through the pole.
- the fifth diagram ( FIG. 2E ) depicts the inner rod after being pushed down through the tip of the pole.
- this deploys the expansion mechanism so as to radially (laterally) extend the hinged anchoring parts 206 into the earth.
- the apparatus functions as an earth anchor which strongly resists both pull-out and lateral forces.
- FIG. 3 is a close-up view of the deployed expansion mechanism of the earth-penetrating expansion apparatus shown in FIG. 2 . Shown are the anchoring parts 206 coupled to the pole 202 by way of the hinging mechanism 207 . The tip 210 of the inner rod 208 is shown after being pushed down through the tip 204 of the pole 202 so as to push the anchoring parts out radially into the ground.
- the actuating mechanism in FIG. 2 acts as a plunger under compression applying force to the anchoring parts 206 .
- the rod or plunger may be removable from the apparatus and may be re-used to deploy multiple anchors. This configuration may advantageously further reduce material costs.
- FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram depicting an earth-penetrating expansion apparatus and the operation thereof in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention.
- the apparatus includes a steel pole (or tube or cylinder) 402 with a hollow portion therein.
- the pole has a bottom end 404 which is configured to be driven into the ground 401 .
- the bottom end of the pole comprises a pointed tip to be driven into the ground.
- Anchoring parts 406 are configured to be radially extendable from the pole. As shown, the anchoring parts may comprise metal prongs. In an exemplary embodiment, the metal prongs may be bent at both ends. In an initial configuration, a majority of each prong may be positioned within the hollow portion of the pole.
- An expansion mechanism is configured to apply a force to the anchoring parts so as to radially extend the anchoring parts from the pole after the pole has been driven into the ground.
- the expansion mechanism may comprise, initially, one bent end of each prong which protrudes out of a corresponding opening 407 in the side of the pole.
- FIG. 4 A sequence of five illustrative diagrams is shown in FIG. 4 .
- the first diagram FIG. 4A
- the second diagram FIG. 4B
- first ( FIG. 4A ) and second ( FIG. 4B ) diagrams one bent end of each prong is shown protruding radially (laterally) from the pole while the remaining portion of each prong is within the pole (and hence not visible).
- the third diagram FIG. 4C is the similar to the second diagram ( FIG.
- the actuating device 408 may be a ring which is configured so as to be capable of applying a force onto the anchoring parts 406 when a tension member 410 (such as a chain, or cable, or thin steel member) attached to the actuating device is pulled.
- a tension member 410 such as a chain, or cable, or thin steel member
- FIG. 4D shows the prongs fully extended radially from the pole after the upward motion of the anchoring parts.
- the fifth diagram ( FIG. 4E ) is the similar to the fourth diagram ( FIG. 4D ), but the portions of the anchoring parts 406 which lie within the pole and the actuating device 408 moved to a higher position within the pole are shown in the fifth diagram ( FIG. 4E ).
- FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram depicting an earth-penetrating expansion apparatus and the operation thereof in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention.
- the apparatus includes a steel sleeve (or pole or tube or cylinder) 502 with a hollow portion therein.
- the sleeve has a bottom end which may comprise multiple prongs (segments) 504 that will later be deployed as anchoring parts.
- An expansion mechanism is configured to apply a force to the metal prongs so as to radially extend them from the sleeve after the sleeve has been driven into the ground 501 .
- the expansion mechanism may comprise a bolt 508 with a larger bulbous portion 509 at a bottom end.
- a nut 503 may be attached to the top end of the sleeve.
- a top end of the bolt may be screwed through the nut such that the bulbous end of the bolt is near to the prongs at the bottom of the sleeve.
- FIG. 5 Two illustrative diagrams are shown in FIG. 5 .
- the first diagram ( FIG. 5A ) shows the apparatus after the sleeve has been driven into the ground.
- the second diagram shows the apparatus after the bolt has been screwed upward to engage the expansion mechanism.
- the expansion mechanism is engaged when the upward movement of the bulbous end of the bolt forces the ends of the prongs to go outward in a radial direction away from the sleeve.
- the actuating mechanism in FIG. 5 is a threaded rod, or partially threaded rod, when put under tension by threading a nut forces the prongs to extend radially.
- FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram depicting a moment enhancing feature which may be added to various embodiments of the invention. Shown are two views ( FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B ) of an apparatus with radial fins 604 configured on an outer pole (or sleeve or cylinder or tube) 602 . Note that these fins act as a moment enhancing feature which may be added to any of the embodiments described above.
- FIG. 7 depicts an example solar collector arrangement 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- a single row 11 is shown, but the array can comprise several rows 11 joined end to end, and can comprise any number of such rows side by side.
- a row of solar panels 14 i.e., photovoltaic modules, is attached onto a torsion tube 12 .
- the row has sixty panels or modules 14 , i.e., thirty sets of two modules.
- There are four vertical pier tubes 16 which can be round or square cross section, as desired, each supported in the earth.
- Each pier tube 16 may comprise the outer tube (or pole or cylinder) of an embodiment of the earth-penetrating expansion anchor disclosed herein. Alternatively, each pier tube 16 may be firmly attached to an earth-penetrating expansion anchor.
- each pier tube 16 may be a pier cap weldment 20 , which may have a transverse square tubular sleeve that fits the profile of the torsion tube 12 .
- the pier caps 20 on the pier tubes 16 may be aligned so that the torsion tube 12 threads through them.
- Conventional pier tubes for a typical solar array installation may be 18 feet or so in length with about 12 to 14 feet embedded into the earth (depending on conditions, such as the soil type). The cost of these long conventional pier tubes and the installation thereof is substantial. If concrete footings are used to support the pier tubes then additional labor and material costs are required.
- the radially extendable portions of the anchors reduces necessary lengths of the pier tubes embedded in the earth.
- Using the expansion anchors as disclosed herein reduces the necessary length of the pier tubes, such that, for example, only about 4 to 8 feet of length needs to be embedded in the earth, without the use of concrete footings. This reduces the overall length of the pier tubes to be 8 to 12 feet, and may lower material and installation costs.
Abstract
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present disclosure relates generally to ground anchors, and more particularly, ground anchors used to support solar collector arrangements.
- 2. Description of the Background Art
- Photovoltaic arrays are used for a variety of purposes, including as a utility interactive power system, as a power supply for a remote or unmanned site, a cellular phone switch-site power supply, or a village power supply. These arrays can have a capacity from a few kilowatts to a hundred kilowatts or more, and are typically installed where there is a reasonably flat area with exposure to the sun for significant portions of the day.
- In general terms, these solar collector assemblies have their solar collector modules, typically photovoltaic modules, supported on a frame. The frame is generally supported above the ground by vertical pier tubes. The vertical pier tubes are typically driven very deeply into the ground. The pier tubes may also be supported and stabilized by concrete footings.
- One embodiment relates to an earth-penetrating apparatus. The apparatus includes a pole with a hollow portion therein and a bottom end which is configured to be driven into ground. Anchoring parts are configured to be radially extendable from the pole. In addition, an expansion mechanism is configured to apply a force to the anchoring parts so as to radially extend the anchoring parts from the pole after the pole has been driven into the ground.
- Another embodiment relates to a solar collector arrangement. The arrangement includes a plurality of earth-penetrating anchors which are driven into ground. Each anchor includes (a) a pole with top and bottom ends, the pole having a hollow portion therein and a pointed tip at the bottom end which is configured to be driven into ground, (b) anchoring parts configured to be radially extendable from the pole, and (c) an expansion mechanism configured to apply a force to the anchoring parts so as to radially extend the anchoring parts from the pole after the pole has been driven into the ground. The arrangement further includes a support structure coupled to the plurality of earth-penetrating anchors. An array of solar panels is attached to the support structure.
- Other embodiments, aspects and features are also disclosed.
-
FIG. 1 (consisting ofFIGS. 1A , 1B, 1C) is a schematic diagram depicting an earth-penetrating expansion apparatus and the operation thereof in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 2 (consisting ofFIGS. 2A , 2B, 2C, 2D and 2E) is a schematic diagram depicting an earth-penetrating expansion apparatus and the operation thereof in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 3 is a close-up view of the deployed expansion mechanism of the earth-penetrating expansion apparatus shown inFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 4 (consisting ofFIGS. 4A , 4B, 4C, 4D, and 4E) is a schematic diagram depicting an earth-penetrating expansion apparatus and the operation thereof in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 5 (consisting ofFIGS. 5A and 5B ) is a schematic diagram depicting an earth-penetrating expansion apparatus and the operation thereof in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 6 (consisting ofFIGS. 6A and 6B ) is a schematic diagram depicting a moment enhancing feature which may be added to various embodiments of the invention. -
FIG. 7 depicts an example solar collector arrangement in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. - In the present disclosure, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of apparatus, process parameters, materials, process steps, and structures, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details. In other instances, well-known details are not shown or described to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram depicting an earth-penetrating expansion apparatus and the operation thereof in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention. The apparatus includes a steel pole (or tube or cylinder) 102 with a hollow portion therein. The pole has abottom end 104 which is configured to be driven into the ground. In this case, the bottom end of the pole comprises a pointed tip to be driven into the ground. - Anchoring
parts 106 are configured to be radially extendable from the pole. As shown, the anchoring parts may comprise curved metal tines that may be extendable throughcorresponding holes 107 near the bottom end of the pole. Multiple anchoring parts are preferably configured. An exemplary embodiment may have two or three such anchoring parts and corresponding holes. - An expansion mechanism is configured to apply a force to the anchoring parts so as to radially extend the anchoring parts from the pole after the pole has been driven into the ground. As shown, the expansion mechanism may comprise an
inner rod 108 which is coupled via a plate (flange) 109 to a top portion of the anchoring parts. - A sequence of three illustrative diagrams is shown in
FIG. 1 . The first diagram (FIG. 1A ) shows the apparatus with the anchoring parts within the hollow portion of the pole, and the expansion mechanism not yet deployed. In this initial state, the bottom end of the pole may be driven into the ground. - The second diagram (
FIG. 1B ) shows the apparatus with the expansion mechanism in the midst of being deployed. As seen, the inner rod is being pushed down such that it presses down on the plate which forces anchoring parts to extend in a radial manner from the holes in the bottom end of the pole. - The third diagram (
FIG. 1C ) shows the apparatus with the expansion mechanism fully deployed. As shown, the inner rod is fully pushed down into the pole, and the anchoring parts are fully extended radially (laterally) into the earth. Advantageously, with the anchoring parts extended radially, the apparatus functions as an earth anchor which strongly resists both pull-out and lateral forces. - The actuating mechanism in
FIG. 1 is acts as a plunger under compression applying force to the anchoringpart 106. In an exemplary embodiment, the rod or plunger may be removable from the apparatus and may be re-used to deploy multiple anchors. This configuration may advantageously further reduce material costs. -
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram depicting an earth-penetrating expansion apparatus and the operation thereof in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention. The apparatus includes a steel pole (or tube or cylinder) 202 with a hollow portion therein. The pole has abottom end 204 which is configured to be driven into the ground. In this case, the bottom end of the pole comprises a pointed tip to be driven into the ground. - Anchoring
parts 206 are configured to be radially extendable from the pole. As shown, the anchoring parts may comprise pieces of the pointed tip of the pole. In an exemplary embodiment, the pointed tip may be formed from three or more of the anchoring parts which may be coupled to the bottom of the pole using ahinge mechanism 207. - An expansion mechanism is configured to apply a force to the anchoring parts so as to radially extend the anchoring parts from the pole after the pole has been driven into the ground. As shown, the expansion mechanism may comprise an
inner rod 208 which is inserted into the hollow portion of the pole and pushed down to the bottom of the pole. The rod may itself have a pointedtip 210 on its bottom end. When the tip of the rod passes through the tip of the pole, the anchoring parts rotate on their hinges so as to become extended in a radial manner from the pole. - A sequence of five illustrative diagrams is shown in
FIG. 2 . The first diagram (FIG. 2A ) shows thepole 202 positioned above theground 201. Thetip 204 of the pole is to be driven into the ground for anchoring purposes. The second diagram (FIG. 2B ) shows the pole after being driven into the ground. The third diagram (FIG. 2C ) shows theinner rod 208 positioned so that itstip 210 is to be inserted into the hollow portion of the pole. The fourth diagram (FIG. 2D ) shows the inner rod being pushed down through the pole. Finally, the fifth diagram (FIG. 2E ) depicts the inner rod after being pushed down through the tip of the pole. As seen, this deploys the expansion mechanism so as to radially (laterally) extend the hinged anchoringparts 206 into the earth. Advantageously, with the anchoring parts extended radially, the apparatus functions as an earth anchor which strongly resists both pull-out and lateral forces. -
FIG. 3 is a close-up view of the deployed expansion mechanism of the earth-penetrating expansion apparatus shown inFIG. 2 . Shown are the anchoringparts 206 coupled to thepole 202 by way of thehinging mechanism 207. Thetip 210 of theinner rod 208 is shown after being pushed down through thetip 204 of thepole 202 so as to push the anchoring parts out radially into the ground. - Similar to
FIG. 1 , the actuating mechanism inFIG. 2 acts as a plunger under compression applying force to the anchoringparts 206. In an exemplary embodiment, the rod or plunger may be removable from the apparatus and may be re-used to deploy multiple anchors. This configuration may advantageously further reduce material costs. -
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram depicting an earth-penetrating expansion apparatus and the operation thereof in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention. The apparatus includes a steel pole (or tube or cylinder) 402 with a hollow portion therein. The pole has abottom end 404 which is configured to be driven into theground 401. In this case, the bottom end of the pole comprises a pointed tip to be driven into the ground. - Anchoring
parts 406 are configured to be radially extendable from the pole. As shown, the anchoring parts may comprise metal prongs. In an exemplary embodiment, the metal prongs may be bent at both ends. In an initial configuration, a majority of each prong may be positioned within the hollow portion of the pole. - An expansion mechanism is configured to apply a force to the anchoring parts so as to radially extend the anchoring parts from the pole after the pole has been driven into the ground. As shown, the expansion mechanism may comprise, initially, one bent end of each prong which protrudes out of a
corresponding opening 407 in the side of the pole. - A sequence of five illustrative diagrams is shown in
FIG. 4 . The first diagram (FIG. 4A ) shows thepole 402 being driven into the ground 401 (see the down arrow). The second diagram (FIG. 4B ) shows the pole after being driven into the ground. In the first (FIG. 4A ) and second (FIG. 4B ) diagrams, one bent end of each prong is shown protruding radially (laterally) from the pole while the remaining portion of each prong is within the pole (and hence not visible). The third diagram (FIG. 4C ) is the similar to the second diagram (FIG. 4B ), but the portions of the anchoringparts 406 which lie within the pole and anactuating device 408 at a lower position within the pole are shown in the third diagram (FIG. 4C ). In one implementation, theactuating device 408 may be a ring which is configured so as to be capable of applying a force onto the anchoringparts 406 when a tension member 410 (such as a chain, or cable, or thin steel member) attached to the actuating device is pulled. - After the pole is driven into the ground to the desired depth, an upward force is applied to the anchoring
parts 406, for example, by pulling upon thetension member 410 which is attached to theactuating device 408. This upward force is represented by the up arrow in the diagram. The upward force activates the expansion mechanism. Due to the upward movement of the anchoring parts inside the pole, the prongs extend outward radially from the pole. This happens because the holes in the side of the pole exert a downward and outward force on the protruding portion of each prong so as to effectively pull the prong out from within the pole. The fourth (FIG. 4D ) diagram shows the prongs fully extended radially from the pole after the upward motion of the anchoring parts. The fifth diagram (FIG. 4E ) is the similar to the fourth diagram (FIG. 4D ), but the portions of the anchoringparts 406 which lie within the pole and theactuating device 408 moved to a higher position within the pole are shown in the fifth diagram (FIG. 4E ). -
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram depicting an earth-penetrating expansion apparatus and the operation thereof in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention. The apparatus includes a steel sleeve (or pole or tube or cylinder) 502 with a hollow portion therein. - The sleeve has a bottom end which may comprise multiple prongs (segments) 504 that will later be deployed as anchoring parts. An expansion mechanism is configured to apply a force to the metal prongs so as to radially extend them from the sleeve after the sleeve has been driven into the
ground 501. As shown, the expansion mechanism may comprise abolt 508 with a largerbulbous portion 509 at a bottom end. Anut 503 may be attached to the top end of the sleeve. A top end of the bolt may be screwed through the nut such that the bulbous end of the bolt is near to the prongs at the bottom of the sleeve. - Two illustrative diagrams are shown in
FIG. 5 . The first diagram (FIG. 5A ) shows the apparatus after the sleeve has been driven into the ground. The second diagram (FIG. 5B ) shows the apparatus after the bolt has been screwed upward to engage the expansion mechanism. The expansion mechanism is engaged when the upward movement of the bulbous end of the bolt forces the ends of the prongs to go outward in a radial direction away from the sleeve. In other words, the actuating mechanism inFIG. 5 is a threaded rod, or partially threaded rod, when put under tension by threading a nut forces the prongs to extend radially. -
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram depicting a moment enhancing feature which may be added to various embodiments of the invention. Shown are two views (FIG. 6A andFIG. 6B ) of an apparatus withradial fins 604 configured on an outer pole (or sleeve or cylinder or tube) 602. Note that these fins act as a moment enhancing feature which may be added to any of the embodiments described above. -
FIG. 7 depicts an examplesolar collector arrangement 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In this view, asingle row 11 is shown, but the array can compriseseveral rows 11 joined end to end, and can comprise any number of such rows side by side. A row ofsolar panels 14, i.e., photovoltaic modules, is attached onto atorsion tube 12. - In this example arrangement, the row has sixty panels or
modules 14, i.e., thirty sets of two modules. There are fourvertical pier tubes 16, which can be round or square cross section, as desired, each supported in the earth. Eachpier tube 16 may comprise the outer tube (or pole or cylinder) of an embodiment of the earth-penetrating expansion anchor disclosed herein. Alternatively, eachpier tube 16 may be firmly attached to an earth-penetrating expansion anchor. - At a top end of each
pier tube 16 may be apier cap weldment 20, which may have a transverse square tubular sleeve that fits the profile of thetorsion tube 12. The pier caps 20 on thepier tubes 16 may be aligned so that thetorsion tube 12 threads through them. There may be multiple support rails or panel rails 22 attached onto thetorsion tube 12, and theserails 22 may be arranged across tube at right angles to the tube axis and may be spaced apart the width of one panel ormodule 14. - Conventional pier tubes for a typical solar array installation may be 18 feet or so in length with about 12 to 14 feet embedded into the earth (depending on conditions, such as the soil type). The cost of these long conventional pier tubes and the installation thereof is substantial. If concrete footings are used to support the pier tubes then additional labor and material costs are required.
- In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the radially extendable portions of the anchors reduces necessary lengths of the pier tubes embedded in the earth. Using the expansion anchors as disclosed herein reduces the necessary length of the pier tubes, such that, for example, only about 4 to 8 feet of length needs to be embedded in the earth, without the use of concrete footings. This reduces the overall length of the pier tubes to be 8 to 12 feet, and may lower material and installation costs.
- Existing screw or helical type anchors include those made by Krinner GmbH of Strasskirchen, Germany and Terrafix GmbH of Eschenbach, Germany. However, neither of these products deploy or change state after they are inserted into the ground. Moreover, in some cases, costly dedicated machinery is required for installation of these anchors.
- While specific embodiments of the present invention have been provided, it is to be understood that these embodiments are for illustration purposes and not limiting. Many additional embodiments will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art reading this disclosure.
Claims (19)
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/370,997 US20100139649A1 (en) | 2009-02-13 | 2009-02-13 | Earth-Penetrating Expansion Anchor |
PCT/US2009/067364 WO2010093397A1 (en) | 2009-02-13 | 2009-12-09 | Earth-penetrating expansion anchor |
US13/187,018 US20110277743A1 (en) | 2009-02-13 | 2011-07-20 | Earth-penetrating expansion anchor |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/370,997 US20100139649A1 (en) | 2009-02-13 | 2009-02-13 | Earth-Penetrating Expansion Anchor |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/187,018 Division US20110277743A1 (en) | 2009-02-13 | 2011-07-20 | Earth-penetrating expansion anchor |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20100139649A1 true US20100139649A1 (en) | 2010-06-10 |
Family
ID=42229672
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/370,997 Abandoned US20100139649A1 (en) | 2009-02-13 | 2009-02-13 | Earth-Penetrating Expansion Anchor |
US13/187,018 Abandoned US20110277743A1 (en) | 2009-02-13 | 2011-07-20 | Earth-penetrating expansion anchor |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/187,018 Abandoned US20110277743A1 (en) | 2009-02-13 | 2011-07-20 | Earth-penetrating expansion anchor |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US20100139649A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2010093397A1 (en) |
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KR101220056B1 (en) * | 2010-12-10 | 2013-01-09 | 현대건설주식회사 | Suction File Anchor and Constructing Method thereof |
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US8544221B2 (en) | 2010-09-23 | 2013-10-01 | Hyperion Systems Llc | Adjustable racking system for solar array and method of construction of a solar array |
WO2012040307A3 (en) * | 2010-09-23 | 2012-05-24 | Hyperion Systems Llc | Adjustable racking system for solar array and method of construction of a solar array |
WO2012040307A2 (en) * | 2010-09-23 | 2012-03-29 | Hyperion Systems Llc | Adjustable racking system for solar array and method of construction of a solar array |
KR101220056B1 (en) * | 2010-12-10 | 2013-01-09 | 현대건설주식회사 | Suction File Anchor and Constructing Method thereof |
ES2391846A1 (en) * | 2011-05-05 | 2012-11-30 | José Antonio Pérez Lires | Ground anchor for attaching structures, and mounting method |
EP2584283A1 (en) * | 2011-10-20 | 2013-04-24 | A&A Civil Engineering Consultants Ltd. | Process and device for slope stabilisation with additional assembly of photovoltaic modules for generating energy |
US9611609B2 (en) * | 2011-11-15 | 2017-04-04 | Stephen Kelleher | Ground mounting assembly |
US20130118113A1 (en) * | 2011-11-15 | 2013-05-16 | Stephen Kelleher | Solar system mounting assembly |
US10352013B2 (en) | 2011-11-15 | 2019-07-16 | Stephen Kelleher | Ground mounting assembly |
US20130272800A1 (en) * | 2011-11-15 | 2013-10-17 | Stephen Kelleher | Ground mounting assembly |
US11293157B2 (en) | 2011-11-15 | 2022-04-05 | Stephen Kelleher | Ground mounting assembly |
CN104081136A (en) * | 2011-11-15 | 2014-10-01 | 斯蒂芬·凯莱赫 | Solar system mounting assembly |
US11814810B2 (en) | 2011-11-15 | 2023-11-14 | Stephen Kelleher | Ground mounting assembly |
US9574795B2 (en) * | 2011-11-15 | 2017-02-21 | Stephen Kelleher | Solar system mounting assembly |
CN102538262A (en) * | 2012-02-14 | 2012-07-04 | 曹树梁 | Anchor pile structural ceramic solar heat collection system |
CN102878694A (en) * | 2012-09-27 | 2013-01-16 | 曹树梁 | Anchor-pile-structured solar system fully utilizing lighting surface and ceramic solar panel thereof |
GB2546203A (en) * | 2013-02-01 | 2017-07-12 | Richard Dean Michael | Anchor peg |
GB2510387B (en) * | 2013-02-01 | 2017-09-13 | Richard Dean Michael | Anchor Peg |
GB2546203B (en) * | 2013-02-01 | 2017-09-20 | Richard Dean Michael | Anchor peg |
GB2510387A (en) * | 2013-02-01 | 2014-08-06 | Michael Richard Dean | Ground anchor with subsurface footprint larger than entrance hole |
WO2014144327A3 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2015-10-29 | Stephen Kelleher | Ground mounting assembly |
US9181759B1 (en) * | 2014-07-25 | 2015-11-10 | Osman Yusuf | Method and apparatus for increasing load bearing capacity of a tubular string |
CN106638590A (en) * | 2016-12-09 | 2017-05-10 | 孙贵超 | Tile leaf type expansion anchor rope/rod |
US11705854B2 (en) * | 2017-07-14 | 2023-07-18 | Solatics Ltd. | Anchoring structure for ground mounting of solar photovoltaic system |
CN110011599A (en) * | 2017-11-21 | 2019-07-12 | 斯蒂芬·凯莱赫 | It is grounded mounting assembly |
CN110005677A (en) * | 2019-04-28 | 2019-07-12 | 山东省水利科学研究院 | A kind of biology blanket fixture |
FR3100042A1 (en) * | 2019-08-19 | 2021-02-26 | Christophe Ulrich | Device for fixing objects to be anchored in soft ground. |
WO2022056485A1 (en) * | 2020-09-14 | 2022-03-17 | Array Technologies, Inc. | Anchor for support structure |
US11414827B2 (en) | 2020-09-14 | 2022-08-16 | Array Technologies, Inc. | Anchor for support structure |
CN113216172A (en) * | 2021-05-25 | 2021-08-06 | 宜宾学院 | Basalt fiber anchor rod for slope support |
CN113802924A (en) * | 2021-09-06 | 2021-12-17 | 中国一冶集团有限公司 | Self-anchored foldable safety guardrail |
CN113818438A (en) * | 2021-09-06 | 2021-12-21 | 中国一冶集团有限公司 | Recoverable sleeve type fixed anchor and use method thereof |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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WO2010093397A1 (en) | 2010-08-19 |
US20110277743A1 (en) | 2011-11-17 |
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