Supporting device for a cantilevered tubular structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional supporting devices for cantilevered structures face issues with thickness, depth encumbrance, alignment challenges due to non-plumb walls, and aesthetic concerns, particularly when used with tubular structures, as they protrude and are difficult to hide.

Innovation Solution

A supporting device with a first hook portion inserted into the tubular element and a second supporting portion fixed to the wall, featuring adjustable mechanisms for vertical and horizontal alignment, allowing for secure attachment without protrusion, using screws and dowels for adjustment and stabilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If conventional supporting devices are used for cantilevered tubular structures, then they provide basic support function, but they protrude from the structure surface creating aesthetic problems and encumbrance

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveprofileVSAvoidaesthetic problem
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting device is nested within the tubular structure itself. The first hook portion is inserted into the tubular element from the opening, and the second supporting portion is fixed to the wall, with the entire device configured to not protrude from the outer surface of the tubular structure. This nesting approach eliminates the aesthetic problem while maintaining support functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The device transitions from a protruding three-dimensional configuration to a flush-mounted configuration where the supporting components are positioned within the thickness of the tubular structure. The hook portion extends into the tubular element's interior space, and the wall-mounted portion is positioned against the wall surface, eliminating protrusion in the outward direction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Shape

If conventional supporting devices are positioned close to the wall, then aesthetic appearance improves, but alignment becomes difficult due to non-plumb walls

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveprofileVSAvoidpositioning
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates adjustable mechanisms that allow dynamic repositioning. The first hook portion can be adjusted vertically and horizontally relative to the second supporting portion, enabling the installer to compensate for non-plumb walls and achieve proper alignment. This adjustability transforms a static positioning problem into a dynamic solution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device allows change in positional parameters (vertical position, horizontal position, depth) through adjustment mechanisms. The first hook portion can be repositioned along the tubular element and the second supporting portion can be adjusted on the wall, changing the geometric parameters to accommodate wall irregularities while maintaining close-to-wall positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Shape

If the supporting device is made compact to reduce encumbrance, then aesthetic appearance improves, but load-bearing capacity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveprofileVSAvoidload bearing capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting device is divided into distinct functional segments: the first hook portion for engaging the tubular element, the second supporting portion for mounting to the wall, and adjustment mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall compactness, ensuring adequate load-bearing capacity without excessive protrusion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device utilizes composite construction with a block made of appropriate material for structural strength, combined with metallic adjustment screws and fixing elements. This composite approach allows the main body to be compact while incorporating high-strength elements where needed to maintain load-bearing capacity despite reduced overall dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP3823498B1Supporting device for a cantilevered tubular structure
Publication Date: 2023.08.30 LEONARDO
  • EP3823498B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3823498B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3823498B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A supporting device for a cantilevered tubular structure (11), comprising a tubular structure (11) in turn comprising at least one tubular element (13) facing a supporting wall (12) wherein said at least one tubular element (13) provides an opening (14) facing said supporting wall (12), the device comprising in combination: a first hook portion (15) fixed to said at least one tubular element (13) and a second positionable supporting portion (16) fixed to said supporting wall (12), adjustment mechanisms of the positions in depth (horizontal) and height (vertical) of said first hook portion (15) with respect to said second supporting portion (16), being associated with said first hook portion (15), characterized in that said first hook portion (15) can be positioned inside said at least one tubular element (13) and is constrained in correspondence with said opening (14).