Height-Adjustable Multi-Legged Stand Friction Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing height-adjustable multi-legged stands are cumbersome to set up, particularly on uneven surfaces, due to complex mechanical constructions that increase the risk of failure, reduce manufacturability, reliability, and load capacity, and are costly.
Innovation Solution
A height-adjustable multi-legged stand with a locking arrangement comprising elongated parts, locking elements, and a central operating mechanism that allows simultaneous adjustment of leg positions and secure locking, using friction-based connections to ensure stability and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex mechanical locking device is used to adjust leg heights, then the stand can be positioned on uneven surfaces, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex mechanical locking device from the system and replaces it with a simplified friction-based connection. The leg height adjustment mechanism is reduced to basic friction engagement between the leg and stand body, eliminating pins, springs, and multi-component locking assemblies that caused reliability issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical locking system (pins, springs, locking arms) with a friction-based mechanical substitution. The friction connection between the leg and stand body provides sufficient holding force without requiring complex mechanical locking components, thereby improving reliability while maintaining adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If individual leg adjustment mechanisms are provided for each leg, then height adjustment is possible, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the height adjustment functionality into a unified friction-based system where all legs share the same simple adjustment principle. Instead of providing separate locking mechanisms for each leg, the design uses a common friction engagement approach that simplifies the overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using active locking mechanisms that require engagement and disengagement actions, the patent inverts the approach by using passive friction holding that naturally maintains leg position. The friction connection automatically holds the leg at any position without requiring active locking, simplifying the mechanical construction.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple pins and locking elements are used to secure legs, then the stand is stable, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the multiple pins and locking elements from the design, retaining only the essential friction-based connection. This reduction in components significantly improves ease of manufacture while maintaining stand stability through the friction holding mechanism.
4Reliability
If complex locking devices with multiple components are implemented, then leg positioning is secure, but the production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adopts a philosophy of using simple, inexpensive friction-based components rather than expensive, complex locking devices. The friction connection uses basic materials and simple geometry that are cheap to manufacture, reducing production costs while providing sufficient secure locking for the application.
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 enables convenient height adjustment and stable positioning on uneven surfaces, with improved manufacturability, reliability, and reduced costs, supporting heavy loads like an adult person.
Implementation Method 1
a first biasing element that is arranged in an axial direction of the elongated tubular element between the first housing and the first connecting element, the first biasing element being configured to maintain the first connecting element and the first housing at a first distance in an axial direction of the elongated tubular element with respect to each other, thereby maintaining the locking arrangement in a locked resting state
Implementation Method 2
The locking contacts between the locking elements of the first set of at least two locking elements and the at least three legs of the stand can be of any suitable releasable type, for example but not limited to a friction-based connection, based on a form-fitting connection or based on a hole-pin connection.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The invention relates to a height-adjustable multi-legged stand (1) for supporting an object at an adjustable height above a supporting surface on which the stand is positionable. The stand comprises at least three legs (2, 3, 4), an elongated tubular element (5) that at least partially envelops said legs and a locking arrangement (6) that can be operated by a user via a central operating arrangement (12). The locking arrangement prevents displacement of the legs with respect to the elongated tubular element if in a locked resting state, and allows displacement of the legs and the elongated tubular element with respect to each other if in an unlocked state. The invention also relates to an assembly (100) that can comprise for example a piece of measurement equipment (101), a table leaf (102), a camera or a display that is connected with the stand according to the present invention.