Leveling foot installation tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual installation of leveling feet into machine legs on uneven floors is time-consuming and labor-intensive, especially when machines have unequal support legs, requiring a more efficient method to achieve a uniform operating surface.
Innovation Solution
A leveling foot tool comprising a rotatable first base and threaded rod with a screw nut and bolt assembly, where a socket driver is installed over the assembly, allowing for rotational and translational movement to drive the leveling foot into a threaded hole in the machine leg, reducing the need for manual screwing and minimizing installation time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual screwing method is used to install leveling feet, then installation precision can be controlled, but installation time and labor intensity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical screwing operation with a power-driven drilling system. The drill bit engages with the threaded rod of the leveling foot and applies rotational force automatically, eliminating the need for manual turning while maintaining precise depth control through the drill press mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a specialized installation tool as an intermediary between the drill and the leveling foot. This tool includes a guide mechanism that ensures the drill bit aligns perfectly with the threaded rod, and a depth control feature that prevents over-tightening, thereby maintaining installation precision while enabling automated operation.
2Ease of operation
If manual installation method is used, then operation simplicity is maintained, but productivity decreases due to labor-intensive process
Solution Approach 1:
The manual screwing operation is replaced by a power drill system that automatically provides the rotational force needed to tighten the leveling foot. The operator simply needs to position the tool and activate the drill, significantly reducing physical effort while increasing installation speed and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The drilling system performs the tightening action automatically once positioned. The motor-driven drill bit engages with the threaded rod and completes the installation process without requiring continuous manual intervention, allowing the system to serve itself during the critical tightening phase.
3Productivity
If automated drilling method is used to install leveling feet, then installation speed increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A specialized guide tool serves as an intermediary that simplifies the automated drilling process. The guide mechanism ensures proper alignment between the drill bit and the leveling foot's threaded rod, while depth stops prevent over-tightening. This intermediary device manages the complexity by providing mechanical guidance and control, allowing the operator to benefit from automated speed without dealing with the full complexity of the drilling 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
The tool automates the installation process, significantly reducing the time and effort required to level machines on uneven floors by enabling efficient rotational and translational movement of the leveling foot into place, thus providing a uniform operating surface.
Implementation Method 1
The first base and the threaded rod can be rotatable with respect to each other... The leveling foot can be installed in a leg of a machine by means of a threaded hole in a lower end of the leg of the machine, wherein the threaded hole can receive the threaded rod of the leveling foot
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments illustrated herein disclose a leveling foot tool which comprises a first base and a threaded rod. The threaded rod comprises a cavity to insert a screw nut and bolt assembly. A socket driver is installed over the screw nut and bolt assembly. The leveling foot tool is mounted on a drill. The first base of the leveling foot tool has one or more holes through which one or more screw nut and bolt assemblies are threaded. A leveling foot, which is to be installed comprises a second base and a threaded rod. The second base of the leveling foot comprises one or more holes to receive the one or more screw assemblies of the leveling foot tool. Using the rotational and the translational motion of the drill, the threaded rod of the leveling foot is drilled into a threaded hole of a leg of a machine.