Pivot-Bracket Leg Assembly for Self-Leveling Tables on Uneven Surfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing self-leveling platforms face challenges in maintaining stability on uneven surfaces and require leg assemblies that can be folded for space-efficient transportation and storage.

Innovation Solution

The development of foldable leg assemblies with rotatable bracket assemblies and pivot devices that allow for self-leveling on uneven surfaces, featuring a stem and flange receiving region, and a leg receiving portion to accommodate multiple legs, enabling the platforms to be collapsed for easier handling and storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If triangular pivoting leg assemblies are used for self-leveling platforms, then the platform can maintain stability on uneven surfaces, but the device occupies excessive space and is difficult to transport and store

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplatform stability on uneven surfacesVSAvoidspace occupied by leg assemblies
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The leg assembly is divided into multiple sections that can pivot relative to each other. The leg is segmented into an upper section and a lower section connected by a pivot mechanism, allowing the leg to be folded into a compact configuration for transport while maintaining its full extended length for stable platform support on uneven surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The leg assembly incorporates dynamic pivot joints that allow the leg to adapt its configuration between extended and folded states. The pivot mechanism enables the leg to automatically adjust its angle and position to maintain platform levelness on uneven ground, while also allowing manual folding for compact storage and transportation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If fixed leg assemblies are used to maintain platform levelness on uneven surfaces, then stability is improved, but the device cannot be easily collapsed for transportation and storage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplatform levelness on uneven substratesVSAvoidease of collapsing for transport and storage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The leg assembly uses dynamic pivot joints that allow automatic adjustment to maintain platform levelness on uneven surfaces. The same pivot mechanism enables easy manual folding for transport, providing both automatic stability adjustment and manual collapsibility without requiring separate mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The pivot mechanism is designed to automatically adjust the leg angle and position in response to uneven surface conditions, self-regulating to maintain platform levelness without user intervention. This self-adjusting capability works seamlessly with the manual folding function for easy transport.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Strength

If traditional support structures are used, then the platform can be supported, but they are not adjustable for maintaining level position on uneven surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport capabilityVSAvoidadjustability for uneven surfaces
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure replaces fixed traditional legs with dynamic pivot-mounted legs that can automatically adjust their angle and position. This allows the strong support capability of traditional structures to be maintained while adding the adaptability to self-adjust for uneven surface conditions and maintain platform levelness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10492599B2Folding leg assembly for self-leveling table
Publication Date: 2019.12.03 G C HOYLE CO LLC
  • US10492599B2 patent drawing
  • US10492599B2 patent drawing
  • US10492599B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A foldable leg assembly for use with self-leveling platforms, tables, and devices that includes at least one rotatable bracket assembly having a first section with an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein a curved channel is formed in the upper portion and wherein a stem and flange receiving region is formed in the lower portion; and a second section adapted to be connected to the first section and having an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein a curved channel is formed in the upper portion and wherein a stem and flange receiving region is formed in the lower portion; and at least one support device having a pivot device that is adapted to pivotally and rotationally engage the stem and flange receiving regions of the at least one rotatable bracket assembly, wherein the pivot device further includes a stem; a flange positioned on top of the stem; and a leg receiving portion.