Adjustable Inclination Fixing Device for Gantry Beam Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gantry structures face instability due to temperature and humidity variations in wooden legs, leading to play in the connection with the beam, and previous fixing devices do not allow for adjustment of the inclination of the feet with respect to the beam, affecting stability.

Innovation Solution

A fixing device comprising two blanks with vertical orifices and longitudinal tongues that can adjust the inclination of the feet with respect to the horizontal plane, using clamping elements and transverse end wings to secure the beam to the legs, allowing for adjustable inclination and improved stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fixed fixing device is used to connect the beam to the feet, then the structure is simple, but the stability deteriorates due to inability to adjust for thermal expansion and contraction

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidfixing device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing device incorporates adjustable inclination capability through the inclined plane mechanism, allowing the connection between beam and feet to adapt dynamically to thermal expansion and contraction. The fixing element can be repositioned along the inclined plane to maintain stable connection despite dimensional changes in wooden legs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the geometric parameter of the fixing device by introducing an inclined plane with specific angle. This allows adjustment of the connection geometry to compensate for dimensional changes in the wooden legs due to temperature and humidity variations, thereby maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the feet are made of wood to provide natural appearance, then aesthetic quality is improved, but stability deteriorates due to thermal expansion and contraction causing play in connection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic qualityVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing device incorporates adjustable inclination capability through the inclined plane mechanism, allowing the connection between beam and feet to adapt dynamically to thermal expansion and contraction. The fixing element can be repositioned along the inclined plane to maintain stable connection despite dimensional changes in wooden legs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing device preemptively compensates for the harmful effects of thermal expansion and contraction by providing an adjustable connection that can accommodate dimensional changes before they cause instability or play in the connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Device complexity

If previous fixing devices are used, then device complexity is low, but adaptability deteriorates due to inability to adjust inclination of feet

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing device simplicityVSAvoidinclination adjustment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing device incorporates adjustable inclination capability through the inclined plane mechanism, allowing the connection between beam and feet to adapt dynamically to thermal expansion and contraction. The fixing element can be repositioned along the inclined plane to maintain stable connection despite dimensional changes in wooden legs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the geometric parameter of the fixing device by introducing an inclined plane with specific angle. This allows adjustment of the connection geometry to compensate for dimensional changes in the wooden legs due to temperature and humidity variations, thereby maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP1985344B1Device for attaching a beam to two support feet by tightening
Publication Date: 2011.11.30 TRIGANO
  • EP1985344B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1985344B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1985344B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The device (16) has two plane blanks (18) parallel to a common transversal plane. The blanks are arranged longitudinally on both sides of upper ends (14s) of rectilinear support feet (14), and are locked longitudinally on the upper end of each foot by longitudinal locking elements (20). The blanks are fixed to a longitudinal upper beam (12) to realize a fixation of the beam on the ends of the feet. The blanks are fixed to the beam by tabs (32) formed in a manner to permit an adjustment of inclination of the plane of the feet with respect to horizontal plane.