Height-Adjustable Fuel Container Support with Hinged Base
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid fuel containers are often heavy and difficult to maneuver and hold in position for extended periods, especially when filling multiple vehicles with fuel.
Innovation Solution
A user-height adjustable container support system with a hinged upper base, vertical lifting member, and foot pedal-actuated locking mechanism that allows for easy lifting, tilting, and securing of containers at desired heights, enabling efficient fuel transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a person manually holds and tilts a fuel container to pour gasoline, then the fuel transfer can be completed, but the person cannot hold the container long enough or high enough and it is difficult to maneuver
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary support system consisting of a base, vertical lifting member, and upper support assembly that acts as a mediator between the heavy fuel container and the user. This intermediary structure bears the weight and positioning burden, allowing the user to easily maneuver and hold the container at the desired height and angle without fatigue.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system is segmented into distinct functional components: a base for stability, a vertical lifting member for height adjustment, and an upper support assembly with hinged mounting for tilt control. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function and enables independent adjustment of height and tilt angle.
2Ease of operation
If the support system includes height adjustment and locking mechanisms, then the container can be positioned at desired heights, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-servicing through foot pedal actuation. When the user presses the foot pedal, it automatically releases the locking pins, allowing smooth height adjustment. When released, the pins automatically engage with the adjustment holes to lock the position. This self-service design eliminates the need for manual manipulation of complex locking components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex manual locking mechanisms with a simpler foot pedal-actuated release system combined with gravity-assisted positioning. The mechanical advantage of the pedal lever arm substitutes for complex multi-component locking systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
3Reliability
If the container is made custom with integrally formed hinge tunnel, then the hinged connection is more secure, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The upper support assembly is designed with universal compatibility to accommodate both custom containers with integrally formed hinge tunnels and standard commercially available fluid containers. The hinged mounting mechanism can adapt to different container types through adjustable mounting configurations, allowing the same support system to serve multiple container formats without requiring specialized manufacturing for each container type.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and associated methods relate to a user height adjustable container support system having an elevated upper base, where the upper base is designed to receive and hingedly couple to a container so that a user may tilt the container while the upper base supports the container.