Adjustable Cable Suspension Support for Stable Tool-Free Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support assemblies lack flexibility and adjustability, making them less effective in stabilizing structures and requiring tools for assembly and disassembly, which limits their portability and versatility.
Innovation Solution
A support assembly comprising a first and second member connected by a flexible cable and an adjustable post that extends between them, allowing for adjustable tensile and compressive forces to stabilize the structure, and can be assembled and disassembled without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing support assemblies use fixed-length members, then structural stability is achieved, but flexibility and adjustability are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly employs an adjustable-length fourth member that can be dynamically modified in length to change the spacing between first and second members. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the structure to adapt to different configurations while maintaining stability through controlled tensile and compressive forces in the cable and fourth member respectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the length parameter of the fourth member to achieve different structural configurations. By selectively adjusting the length of the fourth member, the assembly can provide varying degrees of separation between members while maintaining structural integrity through the balanced tension-compression force system.
2Ease of operation
If existing support assemblies require tools for assembly and disassembly, then connection strength is ensured, but portability and ease of assembly are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly is designed to be assembled and disassembled without external tools by utilizing the mechanical interaction between the fourth member and the first/second members. The adjustable mechanism allows users to manually insert, adjust, and secure the fourth member through direct manual operation, making the assembly self-sufficient and tool-free while maintaining strong connections.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing support assemblies use fixed configurations, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but versatility for various applications is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly is divided into separate modular components: first member, second member, cable (third member), and adjustable fourth member. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured with simple geometry, yet when assembled, they create a versatile system that can be configured for different applications such as tables, podiums, and truss structures.
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 support assembly provides stable and adjustable structural support, enabling easy assembly and disassembly, portability, and versatility for various applications such as tables, podiums, and truss systems, with adjustable tension and compression forces.
Implementation Method 1
a fourth member that extends linearly between the first and second members. Increasing the length of the fourth member forces the first and second members apart to provide a tensile force in the third member and a compressive force in the fourth member
Implementation Method 2
Increasing the length of the fourth member forces the first and second members apart to provide a tensile force in the third member and a compressive force in the fourth member, thereby stabilizing the support assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A support assembly includes a first member, a second member spaced apart from the first member, a third member securing the first and second members together, and a fourth member extending between the first and second members. The fourth member forces the first and second members apart to provide a tensile force in the third member and a compressive force in the fourth member, thereby stabilizing the support.