Articulated Leveling Foot With Split-Ball Assembly for Higher Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable feet for machines are expensive to manufacture, have limited load-bearing capacity due to small support surfaces, and are difficult to assemble, especially with hexagonal components that require specialized tools and reworking.
Innovation Solution
The use of a conventional hex head screw with two partial shells that form a torsionally rigid sphere, allowing for greater load-bearing capacity and easier assembly with standard screw lengths, and optional spring tension for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If a threaded rod with a ball is used for adjustment, then the support surface is small and manufacturing is expensive, but the adjustment function is achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The ball is segmented into two hemispherical shells that can be assembled around the hexagonal head of a standard screw. This segmentation allows the use of inexpensive standard screws while achieving a large support surface area through the spherical geometry, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing cost and support surface area.
Solution Approach 2:
The hexagonal head of the standard screw serves multiple functions: it provides the adjustment interface for the wrench, acts as the core around which the spherical shells are assembled, and contributes to the overall structural integrity. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for specialized threaded rods with integrated balls, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining adjustment capability.
2Strength
If a hexagonal head screw is used, then the projected area is large and load-bearing capacity is improved, but specialized tools and reworking are required
Solution Approach 1:
The two hemispherical shells are designed to self-assemble around the hexagonal head of the screw without requiring specialized tools or reworking. The shells snap together using elastic deformation and geometric interlocking, allowing the standard screw to serve its adjustment function while the spherical assembly provides enhanced load-bearing capacity through its large projected area.
3Strength
If the ball diameter is increased to improve load-bearing capacity, then the wrench size must increase, but the support surface area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical geometry of the ball assembly provides a large projected area and optimal load distribution in all directions. This spherical form allows for increased load-bearing capacity without proportionally increasing the wrench size, as the wrench only needs to engage with the hexagonal head while the spherical shells provide the enhanced load-bearing surface area.
4Device complexity
If a one-piece ball is used, then the structure is simple, but assembly is difficult and requires hammer assembly
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the ball into two hemispherical shells dramatically simplifies assembly. The shells can be easily placed around the hexagonal head of the screw and locked together using elastic deformation and geometric interlocking features, eliminating the need for hammer assembly or specialized pressing equipment required for one-piece balls.
5Ease of operation
If the ball is made slightly smaller than the plate hole, then easy insertion is achieved, but spring tension is required to maintain grip
Solution Approach 1:
The ball is designed to be slightly smaller than the plate hole to facilitate easy insertion. Spring tension is then applied to expand the ball, causing it to grip the plate opening securely. This parameter change (size relationship between ball and hole) combined with elastic deformation provides both easy insertion and secure retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring tension is pre-applied to the ball assembly, creating a cushioning effect that ensures secure grip once inserted. This beforehand application of elastic force compensates for the initial size mismatch between the ball and hole, maintaining reliable connection without requiring complex locking mechanisms.
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
This design enhances load-bearing capacity, reduces manufacturing costs, and simplifies assembly by using standard components and eliminating the need for specialized tools, while maintaining stability through spring tension or material shaping.
Implementation Method 1
a spring can be installed, which keeps the assembly parts (shells and plates) under tension after slipping through
Implementation Method 2
In the case of the shells made of polyamide (PA), these can generate tension through longitudinal or transverse bends (bending)
Data Source
Figure 1A~2B
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
An articulated adjusting foot including a base plate having a receiving space on the side of the plate remote of the floor and which has the geometry of a partial ball, preferably with dimensions slightly exceeding a hemisphere, further having a threaded rod which has at its one end a partial ball that can be inserted into the receiving space. The partial ball of the threaded rod can be fittingly received in the receiving space. The threaded rod is a conventional screw bolt with hexagon head. The ball, which can be inserted into the receiving space, is formed of two parts, e.g., halves (half-shells), which can be inserted one into the other and which enclose the hexagon head in a torsionally rigid manner. The geometry of the partial balls of the threaded rod exceeds that of the receiving space axially in direction of the threaded shaft.