Interlocking Shim Structure for Precise Leveling on Uneven Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions fail to effectively stabilize and level articles on uneven support surfaces, leading to instability, vibration, and unwanted movement, particularly in furniture and industrial equipment, which can result in damage and noise.
Innovation Solution
A stabilization device with a resilient body featuring offset rows of teeth on both surfaces, allowing for adjustable positioning and interlocking, made from materials like polyethylene, polypropylene, and acetal, which can be stacked and configured to provide enhanced stability and vibration control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If adjustable pads (threaded bolts) are used to level furniture, then the support plane can be adjusted, but the device becomes complex and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses simple, inexpensive plastic shims instead of complex threaded bolts. These shims are designed to be easily inserted and removed, providing a simple, low-cost solution for leveling furniture without the mechanical complexity of adjustable pads
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of the shim by providing multiple shims with different thicknesses. This allows precise leveling adjustment by stacking combinations of shims rather than using a single complex adjustable mechanism
2Manufacturing precision
If freely sliding wedges are used to level heavy machinery, then the support can be adjusted, but the device complexity increases due to interconnected threaded shafts and torque applying assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the leveling function into separate, independent plastic shims for each support point. Each shim can be independently selected and positioned without requiring interconnected mechanisms, simplifying the overall system while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple identical or similar plastic shim designs that can be stacked in combinations. This modular copying approach allows precise adjustment through simple stacking rather than complex mechanical linkages
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional shims are used without interlocking features, then the device is simple to manufacture, but the article remains unstable and prone to slippage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetric interlocking features (teeth and grooves) on the shims. These features are molded into the plastic shims during manufacturing, providing stable stacking and preventing slippage while maintaining relative manufacturing simplicity through injection molding
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the leveling function with the stabilizing function in a single integrated shim design. The interlocking teeth and grooves merge the purposes of maintaining stack integrity and preventing furniture slippage into one component
4Ease of manufacture
If no surface protection is provided, then the device structure remains simple, but the support surface can be damaged by hard support points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the shim from hard metal or rigid plastic to a softer, more compliant plastic material. This material change provides surface protection while maintaining the overall simplicity of the plastic injection molding manufacturing process
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 device effectively stabilizes and levels articles by preventing slippage and vibration, reducing the risk of damage and noise, while being adaptable for various applications including furniture, industrial equipment, and surface protection.
Implementation Method 1
A stabilization device is provided that includes a resilient body that has an upper surface and a lower surface
Implementation Method 2
The body includes a first set of teeth located on the upper surface and distributed about a first axis. The teeth are spaced apart from one another by a selected pitch
Data Source
AI summary
A stabilization device is provided that includes a resilient body that has an upper surface and a lower surface. The body includes a first set of teeth located on the upper surface and distributed about a first axis. The teeth are spaced apart from one another by a selected pitch. The body also includes a second set of teeth located on the upper surface and distributed about a second axis. Like the first set the second set of teeth are spaced apart a selected second pitch. The first and second sets of teeth are offset from each other along either the first or second axis. The lower surface of the body preferably includes a similar arrangement of teeth.