Hydraulic Support Legs for Self-Leveling on Uneven Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support systems for structures, such as tables and large machines, require cumbersome and time-consuming adjustments to achieve stability and desired orientation on uneven or tilted surfaces, as they lack self-adjusting mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A support system comprising pistons and cylinders with a braking mechanism that adjusts the position of support elements based on hydraulic pressure changes, allowing for automatic leveling and stabilization by interconnecting fluid inlets and outlets through conduits, enabling self-adjustment and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment mechanisms (screws, jacks, wedges) are used to adjust structure position and orientation, then the structure can be positioned and oriented correctly on uneven surfaces, but the adjustment process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The support element automatically adjusts its height using the structure's own weight as the driving force. When the structure is placed on uneven ground, the loading on each support element automatically actuates the piston to extend or retract, leveling the structure without any manual intervention. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for operators to manually adjust each leg while positioning the structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical adjustment mechanisms (screws, jacks, wedges) with a hydraulic/pneumatic piston-cylinder system. This substitution transforms the adjustment process from manual mechanical operation to automatic fluid-pressure-driven movement, significantly reducing adjustment time and effort while maintaining positioning accuracy.
2Reliability
If traditional manual adjustment mechanisms are used, then the structure can be stabilized on uneven surfaces, but the adjustment process requires significant time and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The support element automatically adjusts its height using the structure's own weight as the driving force. When the structure is placed on uneven ground, the loading on each support element automatically actuates the piston to extend or retract, leveling the structure without any manual intervention. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for operators to manually adjust each leg while positioning the structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical adjustment mechanisms (screws, jacks, wedges) with a hydraulic/pneumatic piston-cylinder system. This substitution transforms the adjustment process from manual mechanical operation to automatic fluid-pressure-driven movement, significantly reducing adjustment time and effort while maintaining positioning accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pistons are used to stabilize structures with fluid communication between them, then the position of individual support legs can be adjusted together, but the system requires manual isolation to maintain stable position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical adjustment mechanisms (screws, jacks, wedges) with a hydraulic/pneumatic piston-cylinder system. This substitution transforms the adjustment process from manual mechanical operation to automatic fluid-pressure-driven movement, significantly reducing adjustment time and effort while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The support element automatically adjusts its height using the structure's own weight as the driving force. When the structure is placed on uneven ground, the loading on each support element automatically actuates the piston to extend or retract, leveling the structure without any manual intervention. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for operators to manually adjust each leg while positioning the structure.
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 system provides automatic and efficient adjustment and stabilization of structures on uneven or tilted surfaces, ensuring stability and reducing the time and effort required for positioning, as the hydraulic pressure activates the braking mechanism to maintain the adjusted position.
Implementation Method 1
an increase in hydraulic pressure within the cylinder effected by the loading associated with the structure activates the braking means
Implementation Method 2
a braking means for maintaining the piston in a position that is stable relative to the cylinder
Data Source
AI summary
A support for supporting a structure on a surface, comprising at least one support element, each support element comprising a piston, a cylinder in which the piston is moveable, and a brake for maintaining the piston in a position that is stable relative to the cylinder, wherein the piston and the cylinder are arranged so that a loading associated with the structure effects an adjustment of the support element, and wherein an increase in hydraulic pressure within the cylinder, effected by the loading associated with the structure, activates the brake.