Friction-Locking Support Post for Sanitary Height Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing height adjustable supports in food processing equipment have bacteria-harboring threaded shafts and unsealed tubular legs, making them difficult to sanitize and adjust, which increases contamination risks and operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A three-sided support channel with a cylindrical post and saddle braces that utilize static friction for height adjustment, eliminating threads and providing an open design for easy sanitation, and optionally incorporating u-shaped bolts for additional support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a threaded shaft design is used for height adjustment, then height adjustability is achieved, but bacteria harborage increases due to increased surface area of threads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the threaded shaft component entirely from the support structure, replacing it with a smooth cylindrical post that extends through the equipment leg. This extraction of the threading mechanism eliminates the crevices and surface complexity that harbor bacteria, while height adjustment is achieved through a different mechanism (saddle brace sliding on the smooth post).
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using external threading on the support post, the patent inverts the adjustment mechanism by using internal threading on the saddle brace that engages with the smooth post, or by using a friction-based sliding mechanism. This inversion allows height adjustment without creating bacteria-harboring external threads on the main support structure.
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
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the unsealed tubular leg with a solid, seamless, or continuously sealed leg structure. This eliminates the hollow interior space where water could accumulate and creates a smooth, continuous surface that prevents water intrusion and facilitates easy cleaning and sanitization.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the threaded shaft is enclosed within the square tube leg, then protection is provided, but the interior becomes inaccessible making sanitization difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the support structure into distinct components: a smooth cylindrical post that extends through the leg, saddle braces that can be removed or adjusted, and an open leg design. This segmentation allows each component to be independently accessed, removed, and sanitized without disassembling enclosed structures.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of enclosing the adjustment mechanism within the leg tube, the patent inverts the design by having the smooth cylindrical post extend through the leg with saddle braces positioned externally or in an openly accessible manner, allowing easy access for sanitization while maintaining structural protection.
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 increasing operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-adjusting mechanism where the saddle brace can slide along the smooth cylindrical post and lock into position using friction, gravity, or a simple locking mechanism that operates without requiring the equipment to be lifted. The system uses its own weight and the mechanical properties of the components to enable easy adjustment while maintaining stability.
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 bacteria growth, simplifies sanitation, and facilitates easy height adjustments in food processing equipment, enhancing food safety and reducing operational costs.
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
Data Source
AI summary
A height adjustable support comprising a three-sided 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.