Height-Adjustable Rest With Protected Threads and High-Torque Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing height adjustable rests for welding tables face difficulties in operating large or heavy workpieces due to insufficient torque and exposed thread designs that are prone to damage from debris.
Innovation Solution
A height adjustable rest comprising a base, cylindrical knob, cylindrical post, and snap ring, with internal thread protection and enhanced torque provision through rod insertion into base and knob holes, allowing for secure locking and stable support of heavy objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If exposed screw thread design is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to threads being prone to damage from debris
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing the screw threads inside the cylindrical post rather than exposing them on the exterior. The internal threading system is nested within the post structure, protecting it from external debris while maintaining the threaded adjustment mechanism. This resolves the contradiction by preserving manufacturing simplicity through internal threading while eliminating thread exposure to damaging forces.
2Device complexity
If standard torque design is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates when dealing with large/heavy workpieces due to insufficient torque
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-dimension torque application (direct knob turning) to a multi-dimensional torque system by adding rod insertion holes that allow torque application from multiple directions and points. Users can insert rods into the holes to apply leverage from various positions, dramatically increasing torque capacity without complicating the basic knob structure. This resolves the contradiction by enabling high torque for heavy workpieces while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
3Ease of operation
If snap ring is located at top portion of post, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates as post may drop off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional snap ring placement by moving it from the top portion of the post to the bottom portion. This inversion changes the retention mechanism so that the snap ring at the base prevents the post from dropping off, while the top flange provides the bearing surface for workpieces. This resolves the contradiction by improving reliability through inverted placement while maintaining ease of operation for height adjustment.
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 design provides greater torque for adjusting the height of heavy workpieces, protects threads from damage, and ensures stable support with the snap ring and locking mechanism, addressing the limitations of previous models.
Implementation Method 1
The matching screw thread portions (inner screw threads and outer screw threads) protect the threads from damage by the debris generated by welding or any work process
Implementation Method 2
the snap ring is fitted to a snap groove to prevent the cylindrical post from dropping off
Implementation Method 3
The cylindrical knob further has a threaded hole with matching locking screw; the cylindrical post further has a landing groove for receiving the locking screw. The locking screw serves to lock the height adjustable rest in place
Implementation Method 4
A plurality of knob holes and a plurality of base holes, along with corresponding rods, provide increased torque power for turning the knob relative to the base for adjusting to the desired height
Data Source
AI summary
Present invention teaches a height adjustable rest having four main parts: a base, a cylindrical knob, a cylindrical post and a snap ring. The cylindrical post has a vertical straight groove to guide the up-and-down height adjustment when the knob is turned relative to the base. The base holes and the knob holes, along with the corresponding rods, provide increased torque when larger and/or heavier workpiece is being supported. The matching inner thread portion (on the inside of the cylindrical knob) and the outer thread portion (on the outside of the base) is a desired feature to make the product less susceptible to damages or work debris compared to other products with exposed threads.