Ballast Base Structure With Inclined Weight Feed for Tilting Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bases for stabilizing objects like parasols and Christmas trees lack flexibility and ease of transportation, as they require direct insertion of ballast weights and do not efficiently manage tilting moment and stability.
Innovation Solution
A base design with a radially arranged receiving position for ballast weights, featuring a raised transport surface inclined at an angle to facilitate gravity-assisted movement, and a two-part structure for easy assembly and weather protection, along with adaptable holding inserts and leveling elements for uneven surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the receiving position for ballast weight is arranged radially on the outside, then the tilting moment and stability of the base are improved, but the ease of inserting the ballast weight directly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A transport surface is introduced as an intermediary element between the feed area and the radially outer receiving position. This transport surface, inclined at an angle between 10° and 22°, serves as a mediator that guides the ballast weight from the easily accessible feed area to the stabilizing receiving position, resolving the contradiction between ease of insertion and stability enhancement.
Solution Approach 2:
The base is divided into functionally distinct segments: a feed area for easy access, a transport surface for guided movement, and a receiving position for stability. This segmentation allows each zone to optimize its specific function - the feed area prioritizes accessibility, while the receiving position maximizes tilting moment.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a raised area is arranged radially on the inside of the receiving position, then the ballast weight is secured against slipping and stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The raised area is formed as a circumferential bead - a continuous curved structure that follows the circular receiving position. This curved design provides effective securing against slipping while maintaining rotational symmetry, which simplifies manufacturing compared to complex angular or irregular structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The raised area modifies the geometric parameters of the receiving position by adding a circumferential bead with specific height and curvature. This parameter change creates the necessary friction and mechanical interference to prevent slipping, while the simple geometric form keeps manufacturing complexity low.
3Ease of operation
If the base is designed as a two-part structure with upper and lower elements, then the ease of transportation and assembly is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base is segmented into an upper element and a lower element that can be separately manufactured and transported. This segmentation reduces transportation complexity by allowing smaller, more manageable components to be moved and assembled on-site, while the connection interface between elements maintains structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The two-part structure serves multiple functions: it facilitates transportation by allowing disassembly, enables flexible assembly procedures, and provides weather protection by allowing the upper element to cover the receiving area. This multi-functionality justifies the increased structural complexity.
4Ease of operation
If the transport surface is inclined at an angle of between 5° and 30°, then gravity-assisted movement of ballast weight is achieved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transport surface is inclined at an angle between 10° and 22°, which is sufficient to achieve gravity-assisted movement of the ballast weight without requiring excessive precision. This partial action approach provides adequate functional performance while relaxing manufacturing tolerances compared to steeper angles.
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 base provides enhanced flexibility, stability, and ease of transportation by allowing ballast weights to be easily introduced and secured, ensuring high tilting stability and protection from the elements while accommodating various objects.
Implementation Method 1
the transport surface is inclined overall at an angle of between 5° and 30°, preferably between 10° and 22°, in particular between 12° and 18°, relative to a standing side. With suitable ballast weights, such an inclination enables at least a gravity-assisted, preferably gravity-based, movement of the ballast weight.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
Disclosed is a base (10) comprising a holding device (12) for holding an object (250) that is to be erected, said base having a receiving region (20) for receiving a removable ballast weight (60) in a receiving position (24). The receiving position (24) lies radially outwards and starting from the receiving position (24), at least some sections of the base have a raised region (28) arranged radially inwards in the direction of the periphery.