Adjustable Support Plate for Level Installation on Uneven Surfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing plates fail to securely install objects at a desired height and tilt position on uneven or sloped surfaces, leading to improper installation of supported objects.

Innovation Solution

The plate system incorporates adjustable components, including screws with threads and support pads, allowing for precise height and tilt adjustments of the support surface, along with grooves to accommodate cables and connect plates of varying heights, ensuring stable and level support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a plate is installed on an uneven or sloped surface, then the plate can be installed in various environments, but the supported object cannot be installed at the desired height position and tilt state

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to uneven surfacesVSAvoidinstallation precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The plate incorporates adjustable support legs with threadable portions that allow the height and tilt of the support surface to be dynamically adjusted. By rotating the support legs, the protruding length changes, enabling the plate to adapt to uneven surfaces while maintaining the desired support surface orientation and height.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The plate changes the geometric parameters of its support structure by adjusting the protruding length of the support legs. This allows the plate to compensate for surface irregularities and achieve the correct support surface height and tilt angle regardless of the installation surface conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If the support surface height is fixed, then the plate structure is simple, but the object cannot be installed at the desired height position on uneven surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplate structure complexityVSAvoidinstallation height precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The plate transforms from a fixed-structure design to a dynamically adjustable structure. The support legs with threadable portions enable the height to be adjusted without requiring a completely complex mechanism, achieving a balance between structural simplicity and installation precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If the plate structure is simple without adjustment mechanisms, then the plate is easy to manufacture, but the support surface cannot be adjusted for tilt and height

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplate manufacturing easeVSAvoidsupport surface adjustability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The plate incorporates adjustable support legs with threadable portions that can be integrated into the manufacturing process without significantly complicating production. These adjustment mechanisms enable the support surface to be tilted and height-adjusted while maintaining reasonable manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The plate enables adjustment of support surface parameters (height and tilt angle) through adjustable support legs. This allows the plate to adapt to various installation conditions while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process compared to more complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 plate system to securely support objects at desired height and tilt positions even on uneven or sloped surfaces, maintaining stability and continuity of cable paths across different height levels.

Implementation Method 1

the adjustment part may include a screw engaging the thread formed in the through hole

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThread engagement: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP3696945B1Plate and plate system
Publication Date: 2024.04.10 IHI CORP
  • EP3696945B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3696945B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3696945B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A plate is to be installed on an installation surface for supporting an object to be supported on the installation surface. The plate includes a plate part having a support surface for supporting the object to be supported, and an adjustment part attached to the plate part and capable of adjusting a height position of the support surface relative to the installation surface.