Adjustable top plate device for a jack post
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Solution Overview
Problem
Jack posts used in construction often fail to provide secure support due to misalignment between ceilings and floors, leading to potential disconnection and falling, as they are not adequately wedged between uneven surfaces.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable top plate device for jack posts, featuring a plate member with deformable and resilient protrusions and an insert body, which engages the top structure and rod, providing a secure fit by compressing against ceilings and engaging with the jack post's top plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standard jack post with a flat metal plate is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the connection becomes unreliable on uneven ceilings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the contact surface by adding protrusions with deformable and resilient material. These protrusions can compress and deform to conform to uneven ceiling surfaces, transforming the rigid flat plate into an adaptive interface that maintains reliable contact despite surface irregularities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction by combining rigid structural elements (metal plate, insert body) with deformable and resilient material on the protrusions. This composite approach allows the device to maintain structural integrity while the resilient portions adapt to uneven surfaces, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and reliability
2Ease of operation
If the jack post is wedged between floors and ceilings, then the height is adjustable, but the post may fall off due to improper wedging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability through the deformable protrusions that can change shape under load. As the jack post is adjusted to different heights, the protrusions dynamically conform to the ceiling surface, ensuring continuous stable contact regardless of the adjustment position or ceiling unevenness
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusions act as an intermediary element between the rigid jack post rod and the uneven ceiling surface. This intermediate layer of deformable material absorbs the mismatch between the straight post and curved ceiling, maintaining the wedging function while preventing slippage
3Adaptability or versatility
If a piece of wood is screwed onto the flat metal plate, then the top structure can be connected, but the connection remains unstable on uneven surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality modification by adding deformable material specifically to the protrusions that contact the ceiling, while keeping the rest of the plate and rod structure simple and rigid. This localized adaptation provides uneven surface compensation without requiring the entire device to be complex
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 device ensures a tight, frictional fit between the jack post and ceiling, preventing disconnection and ensuring stable support by accommodating uneven surfaces, thus enhancing safety and stability during construction.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one protrusion comprising deformable and resilient material
Implementation Method 2
providing a tight friction fit, even on uneven surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable top plate device for a jack post for supporting a top structure when positioned on a floor structure. The adjustable top plate device comprises a plate member, at least one protrusion and an insert body. The plate member defines a top surface for interfacing and/or engaging the top structure and an opposite undersurface for engaging a top plate of jack post The protrusion protrudes from the top surface of the plate member for engaging the top structure and comprises deformable and resilient material. The insert body extends beneath the undersurface of the plate member for being inserted in an opening of the jack post. When the adjustable top plate device is mounted to the jack post, the insert body is inserted within the opening of the rod and the undersurface of the plate member engages the top plate of the rod.