Height-Adjustable Food Equipment Support Without Threaded Harborage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing height adjustable supports in food processing equipment harbor bacteria due to threaded designs that create harborage surfaces and are difficult to sanitize, and are cumbersome to adjust.

Innovation Solution

A three-sided support channel with a cylindrical post and saddle braces that utilize static friction for height adjustment, eliminating threaded surfaces and allowing for easy sanitation and adjustment by reengaging the saddle braces with the post.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a threaded shaft design is used for height adjustment, then height adjustability is achieved, but bacteria harborage increases and sanitation becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheight adjustabilityVSAvoidbacteria harborage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the threaded shaft component entirely from the support leg design. Instead of using threads for adjustment, the invention employs a smooth bore channel with a movable saddle brace that can be positioned at different heights using a simple pin or clip mechanism, eliminating the bacteria-harboring threaded surfaces while maintaining height adjustability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Rather than having threads protrude outward for adjustment (conventional approach), the patent inverts the design by using internal smooth bores with movable saddles that slide along the post. The adjustment mechanism works from the inside out, with the saddle moving within the smooth channel rather than threads engaging externally

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Strength

If an unsealed square or rectangular tubular leg is used, then structural support is provided, but water intrusion occurs creating a breeding ground for bacteria

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidwater intrusion

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the unsealed tubular leg with a smooth-walled channel design that acts as a protective enclosure. The channel provides structural support while its smooth, continuous walls prevent water intrusion and create an easily cleanable surface that doesn't harbor bacteria

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses rounded, smooth channel walls instead of sharp square or rectangular edges. The curved surfaces eliminate crevices and corners where water and bacteria could accumulate, making the structure both stronger and more hygienic

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Strength

If the threaded shaft is enclosed within the square tube leg, then protection is provided, but the interior becomes inaccessible making sanitization very difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveprotectionVSAvoidsanitization accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the support structure into separate functional components: an external protective channel and an internal adjustment mechanism. The saddle brace and positioning mechanism are accessible from the outside through the channel opening, allowing easy cleaning and maintenance without disassembly while maintaining protective enclosure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable legs with threaded shafts are used, then height adjustment capability is achieved, but the equipment must be lifted off the ground for adjustment which is cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheight adjustment capabilityVSAvoidadjustment convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the height adjustment mechanism to be self-operating through weight. The equipment's own weight automatically secures the saddle brace at the selected height position, eliminating the need for manual locking or lifting. The system uses gravity and friction to maintain position without additional actuators or complex mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 solution effectively reduces bacterial growth, simplifies sanitation, and facilitates easy height adjustments in food processing equipment, enhancing food safety and operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the downward force resulting from the weight of the equipment results in static friction between the saddle brace and the cylindrical support post that is sufficient to hold the equipment surface at a desired height

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStatic friction: Static Friction

Data Source

PatentUS20170072742A1Height adjustable support for food processing equipment

Publication Date: 2017.03.16 HEINZEN LLC

AI summary

A height adjustable support comprising a threaded support channel a cylindrical support post, positioned within the support channel and at least one saddle brace positioned within the support channel and to partially surround the cylindrical support post. In the present invention, the downward force resulting from the weight of the equipment results in static friction between the saddle brace and the cylindrical support post that is sufficient to hold the equipment surface at a desired height. The height adjustable support may be implemented into hygienically designed food processing equipment to eliminate undesirable bacteria harboring surfaces and to improve height adjustability of the equipment.