Arcuate Support Bar Locking Mechanism for Uneven Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable support devices for structures on uneven surfaces, such as ladders and water storage tanks, face challenges with manual adjustment difficulties due to tolerance fits and spring system failures, leading to instability and jamming issues.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable support device with a frame, locking mechanisms, and a stop member that allows for automatic leveling and re-leveling through a pivotal connection system, preventing the locking mechanism from getting stuck and ensuring easy adjustment without manual sliding, using a combination of brackets, engagement rods, and universal joints for secure attachment and orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spring system is used to automatically lock and unlock the locking device, then manual adjustment effort is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates as springs lose tension after repeated use causing the locking device to jam
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spring system from the locking mechanism entirely. Instead of using elastic elements to provide automatic locking/unlocking, the invention uses a purely mechanical cam-based system where the cam profile geometry itself provides the locking and unlocking functions through controlled engagement with the locking device, eliminating the reliability issues associated with spring tension loss
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a cam mechanism that dynamically transitions between locked and unlocked states based on the position and movement of the support arc. The cam profile is designed to automatically engage and disengage the locking device at specific points in the adjustment range, providing dynamic control without relying on elastic elements that degrade over time
2Adaptability or versatility
If the support arc is designed to slide through the locking device aperture for adjustment, then adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates when the ladder is tall and heavy requiring complete lifting
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the adjustment mechanism into distinct functional segments: the support arc with its aperture, the separate locking device that can be engaged or disengaged, and the cam mechanism that controls the locking state. This segmentation allows the locking device to be independently controlled without requiring movement of the entire heavy structure
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism prepares the locking device in advance for engagement or disengagement based on the position of the support arc. Before the user needs to adjust the level, the cam can pre-position the locking device in an unlocked state, reducing the effort required during the actual adjustment operation
Data Source
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AI summary
An adjustable support device (10) for a structure, including an arcuate support bar (26) terminating in feet (28) for engagement with a ground surface. Two spaced apart locking mechanisms (30) are pivotally connected to the structure. The arcuate support bar (26) extends between engagement rods (36a, 36b) of the locking mechanisms (30). The locking mechanisms (30) are pivotally moveable between a first position, in which a stop member (38) prevents further pivotal movement in one direction such that the engagement rods (36a, 36b) are positioned to allow the arcuate support bar (26) to slide freely over the engagement rods (36a, 36b), and a second position, when weight is applied to the locking mechanisms (30). In the second position, the engagement rods (36a, 36b) lock against the arcuate support bar (26) to prevent sliding movement there through for supporting the structure in a required orientation.