Adjustable levelling pad

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing adjustable levelling pads are prone to foreign particle ingress and corrosion due to their design, which can lead to mechanical failure and reduced functionality under mechanical load.

Innovation Solution

The proposed adjustable levelling pad incorporates a protection cap that seals the screw threads, an inclined surface for enhanced corrosion resistance, and a mechanical limiter to prevent detachment, ensuring the exclusion of foreign particles and improving durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the threaded joint is exposed for adjustment functionality, then the pad can be adjusted vertically, but foreign particles and moisture can enter the threaded joint causing seizing and corrosion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevertical adjustment capabilityVSAvoidthreaded joint integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A protection cap made of flexible or elastic material is used to seal the threaded joint. The cap can deform elastically to allow insertion and removal while maintaining a sealing effect during operation, preventing foreign particles and moisture from entering the threaded joint while preserving adjustment functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The protection cap acts as an intermediary element between the threaded joint and the external environment. It provides a sealing barrier that mediates between the need for adjustment access and the need to protect against corrosion and particle ingress.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the threaded joint is sealed to prevent particle ingress, then corrosion resistance improves, but adjustment accessibility may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrosion resistanceVSAvoidadjustment accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The protection cap is designed with flexible or elastic properties that allow it to be temporarily displaced or deformed during adjustment operations, then return to its sealing position. This maintains corrosion protection while enabling periodic adjustment access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The protection cap transitions from a static sealed state to a dynamic system where it can be temporarily opened for adjustment and then automatically or manually returned to its sealed position, providing both protection and accessibility as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20220240675A1Adjustable levelling pad

Publication Date: 2022.08.04 AB SKF SKF PATENT DEPARTMENT

AI summary

An adjustable levelling pad includes a first component provided with first screw threads, a second component provided with second screw threads cooperating with the first screw threads of the first component and a bearing element having a bearing surface cooperating with the first component. The second component has an upper surface having an inclined surface portion, the inclined surface portion being inclined in the radial outward direction at an angle relative to an axis perpendicular to the axis of elevation of the adjustable pad.