Deck Pedestal with Threaded Adjustment for Uneven Surfaces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevated building surface systems, such as decks and walkways, face challenges in accommodating varying surface contours and supporting heavy or large tiles, as they often require multiple pedestals and lack efficient height adjustment mechanisms, which can lead to instability and uneven surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A support pedestal system with an adjustable apparatus comprising interconnected connectors and a shaft, allowing for vertical adjustment and tilting to level building surface components, featuring a base and support plate configuration with threaded engagement for precise height control and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple pedestals are used to support heavy or large tiles, then the load-bearing capacity is improved, but the device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pedestal is divided into multiple independent components: a base member with base plate, a support member with support plate, an adjustment apparatus with connectors and shaft, and optional extender members. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while enabling easy assembly and disassembly, reducing installation complexity despite using multiple pedestals for heavy tiles
Solution Approach 2:
The pedestal incorporates an adjustable height mechanism through the adjustment apparatus that allows the support member to be positioned at different heights relative to the base member. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the pedestal to adapt to uneven surfaces and accommodate varying tile sizes and weights, maintaining stability without requiring additional pedestals
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable height pedestals are used to accommodate surface contour variations, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment apparatus enables dynamic height adjustment by allowing rotational movement of the support member relative to the base member through threaded engagement of connectors with the shaft. This mechanical dynamic system provides continuous height variation capability to accommodate any surface contour while maintaining a relatively simple two-member structure
Solution Approach 2:
The pedestal changes its key parameter (height) through the adjustment apparatus that modifies the vertical distance between the base plate and support plate. By varying this dimensional parameter through mechanical adjustment, the pedestal adapts to different surface elevations without requiring complex electronic sensors or actuators
3Adaptability or versatility
If extender members are added to increase pedestal height, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The extender member is designed to be nested within or attached to the existing adjustment apparatus structure. The extender can be positioned inside the adjustment apparatus housing or attached to the shaft, utilizing the existing mechanical interface to extend the height range without requiring a completely separate adjustment mechanism, thus minimizing additional complexity
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 system provides stable and level elevated surfaces by allowing for precise adjustment and tilting of building surface components, accommodating uneven substrates and supporting heavy or large tiles effectively, ensuring a flush and durable installation.
Implementation Method 1
The second portions of the first and second connectors respectively include first and second connector threads that are configured to threadably engage with respective first and second threads of a shaft
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.