Adjustable Strut Extension Mechanism for Bracing and Lifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable struts lack the capability to function both as a bracing device and a lifting device, requiring separate equipment for lifting and subsequent adjustment, which can be inconvenient in time-sensitive situations like structural stabilization after an accident.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable strut with an extending mechanism that includes a threaded exterior and a gear system, allowing the strut to be extended or retracted for bracing and also used as a lifting device by engaging with the threaded section and utilizing bevel gears or worm drives for mechanical advantage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standard adjustable struts are used for bracing, then the strut can be adjusted to brace unstable structures, but the strut cannot function as a lifting device
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable strut is designed with a threaded extendable member and an extending mechanism that enables it to perform both bracing and lifting functions. The threaded exterior on the extendable member allows engagement with the extending mechanism, which can alternatively function as a lifting device by rotating the threaded member to extend or retract the strut, thereby providing universal applicability for both structural support and lifting operations.
2Productivity
If independent lifting devices are used in conjunction with struts, then lifting capability is provided, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires multiple devices
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the lifting mechanism directly into the adjustable strut by integrating an extending mechanism with a threaded extendable member. This combination allows the strut itself to perform lifting operations by rotating the threaded member to extend or retract, eliminating the need for separate lifting devices and reducing the total number of equipment pieces required during emergency operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the strut length is fixed, then the strut is simple to manufacture, but the strut cannot be adjusted to different lengths for different applications
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable strut incorporates an extending mechanism that allows the strut length to be dynamically changed. The extendable member with threaded exterior can be rotated to extend or retract the strut to various lengths, providing adaptability for different applications. This dynamic adjustment capability is achieved through the interaction between the threaded extendable member and the extending mechanism, which converts rotational motion into linear extension or retraction.
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
Enables the adjustable strut to serve both as a bracing and lifting device, providing a single solution for structural stabilization and lifting, enhancing efficiency in emergency situations by allowing for on-site length adjustment and load support.
Implementation Method 1
The gear system may consist of at least two bevel gears. At least one bevel gear is attached to the internal collar of the extending mechanism so that rotating this bevel gear causes the internal collar of the extending mechanism to rotate. The at least one other bevel gear includes a shaft that extends away from the extending mechanism. By rotating this bevel gear's shaft, the gear system translates rotational motion caused by the user into rotational motion of the internal collar of the extending mechanism
Implementation Method 2
The extendable member may have a threaded exterior along a portion or all of its length. The extending mechanism is configured to receive, engage, and/or contact at least a portion of the extendable member (e.g., a defined length of the threaded section or other section of the exterior of the extendable member)
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable strut that includes an outer housing configured to receive an extendable member, and an extending mechanism with a gear system configured to convert rotation motion of an input mechanism into linear translation of the extendable member.