Height-Adjustable Support Assembly With Multi-Orientation Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing height adjustable support systems are limited by a single orientation, use unsafe T-nut fasteners, are costly, require excessive production time, and restrict surface usage due to mid-leg cross-members and square leg designs.

Innovation Solution

A rectangle-shaped height adjustable support system comprising an L-shaped and adjustable rectangle-shaped component made from materials like wood, steel, aluminum, or iron, allowing multiple orientations, safer fasteners, reduced production time, and adaptable cross-members for versatile surface use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If T-nut fasteners are used for attaching the leg assembly, then the connection strength is improved, but safety hazards increase due to tamperable handles in environments like high schools

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidsafety hazards from tampering

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces permanent T-nut fasteners with removable cam-lock fasteners that can be easily detached and replaced. These fasteners provide sufficient connection strength for normal use but can be quickly removed by adults if tampering is suspected, eliminating the safety hazard of permanent tamperable handles while maintaining connection integrity during legitimate use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fastening mechanism from threaded T-nuts to cam-lock fasteners that operate on a different mechanical principle (cam lever action). This parameter change in the fastening mechanism provides equivalent or superior connection strength while eliminating the handle-shaped tamper risk associated with T-nut handles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If mid-leg cross-members are included in the support structure, then structural stability is improved, but the surface cannot be utilized as a desk or similar object

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidsurface usability as desk

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the support structure into separate functional components: the main leg assembly provides structural stability, while the cross-members are designed as detachable apron pieces that can be selectively attached. This segmentation allows the surface to be clear and usable as a desk when cross-members are not attached, while still providing structural stability when they are attached for additional support or storage needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If the leg assembly is limited to one orientation, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different surface attachment orientations is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidattachment orientation flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric design in the leg assembly where the L-shaped component and rectangle-shaped component have different geometries that naturally accommodate multiple orientations. The asymmetric configuration of mounting holes and connection points allows the assembly to be securely attached in various orientations without requiring separate manufacturing processes for each orientation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

4Reliability

If counter bores are added to the adjustable component for fastener installation, then connection security is improved, but production time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidproduction time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the counterbore feature from the adjustable component entirely. Instead, connection security is achieved through the cam-lock fastener mechanism itself, which provides a secure, flush-mounted connection without requiring counterbored holes. This extraction of the counterbore feature eliminates the additional production time and complexity while maintaining reliable connections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS9157568B2Height adjustable supports with the capacity for multiple orientations for use with tabletops, chair seats and similar surfaces

Publication Date: 2015.10.13 MCNEILL DONALD

AI summary

A height adjustable support for tabletops, chair seats, or like objects, consisting of two parts, a rectangle-shaped component and an L-shaped component. A fixed block at the top of the L-shaped component allows for multiple orientations when the assembly is attached to the underside of a surface. Height adjustability is possible because the rectangle-shaped component has a series of holes bored vertically into the two faces that will contact the interior faces of the L-shaped component. Holes bored through each face of the L-shaped component permit fasteners to pass into the holes in the rectangle-shaped component. When tightened the fasteners will seat against the exterior face of the L-shaped component.