Deck Pedestal with Threaded Adjustment for Leveling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevated building surface systems face challenges in providing adjustable and level support for building surface components, particularly when dealing with uneven or varying substrate surfaces, and require innovative solutions to accommodate different shapes and sizes of tiles or pavers.
Innovation Solution
A support pedestal system with an adjustment apparatus that includes interconnected connectors and a shaft, allowing for vertical adjustment and tilting to ensure level positioning of building surface components, featuring a base member, support member, and an adjustment mechanism that includes rotatable connectors and threads to adjust the distance between the base and support plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-height pedestal system is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot accommodate variations in substrate surface contour or create desirable architectural features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed-height pedestal into an adjustable-height system. The pedestal includes a base member and a support member that can be extended or retracted relative to each other, allowing the height to be dynamically adjusted to accommodate variations in substrate surface contour and create different architectural features while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the nesting principle by placing the support member inside or alongside the base member in a telescopic arrangement. The support member can be extended from the base member when height adjustment is needed and retracted when not required, allowing the system to maintain a compact form when not in use while providing extended height capability when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If threaded connectors and shafts are added for height adjustment, then adaptability to different surfaces is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing the threaded connectors and shafts to serve multiple functions. The same threaded mechanism is used both for height adjustment and for securing the connection between base and support members. The connectors are designed to accommodate various shaft diameters and configurations, reducing the need for multiple specialized components and simplifying the manufacturing process.
3Length of stationary object
If extender members are used to increase pedestal height, then the ability to accommodate taller requirements is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by integrating the extender member functionality into the support member itself. The support member is designed as a telescopic structure that can extend from the base member to provide additional height when needed, eliminating the need for separate extender members and reducing the total number of components in the system.
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
Enables precise adjustment and leveling of building surface components, accommodating variations in substrate surfaces and supporting different shapes and sizes, ensuring a stable and even elevated surface.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second portions of the shaft respectively include first and second shaft threads that are configured to threadably engage with first and second connector threads of the first and second connectors
Data Source
AI summary
A support pedestal for adjustably supporting a building surface component above a fixed surface and including a base member having a base plate that is configured to be placed upon a surface, a support member having a support plate that is configured to support at least one building surface component, and an adjustment apparatus interconnecting the base member and the support member that facilitates adjustment of each of the base member and support member relative to the other of the base member and the support member in numerous manners. The adjustment apparatus includes a first connector receivable in a first receiver attached to and extending away from one of the base plate or support plate, a second connector attachable to the other of the base plate or support plate, and a shaft threadably interconnecting the base and support connectors.