Leveling Feet With Embedded Castors for Stable Appliance Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing leveling devices for household appliances face challenges in providing a practical and safe way to move and lock appliances on uneven surfaces without requiring complex disassembly or compromising stability.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves leveling feet with embedded castors that allow adjustable height compensation for surface irregularities, featuring an external ring and internal ring system with a rebound mechanism to prevent involuntary disassembly and ensure stability, along with an optional metallic base for secure fastening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If leveling devices are used to adjust height for surface irregularities, then appliance stability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the leveling foot and castor into a single integrated device. The foot contains an internal ring with external threads that interact with an external ring, while the castor is embedded within the foot structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate leveling devices and locking mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining stability through the threaded adjustment system.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated foot-castor device performs multiple functions: it provides leveling adjustment through threaded ring interaction, enables appliance movement via the embedded castor, and incorporates locking capability through the rebound mechanism that prevents involuntary disassembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components.
2Ease of operation
If castors are used to enable free movement of the appliance, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to unintended movement on uneven surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The device dynamically switches between movement mode and locked mode. The castor enables free movement when needed, while the rebound mechanism within the threaded ring system automatically locks the adjustment in place to prevent unintended movement on uneven surfaces. This dynamic behavior allows the same device to satisfy both mobility and stability requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate leveling devices and castors are used, then adaptability is improved for different surfaces, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the leveling foot and castor into a single integrated component that adapts to different surfaces. The threaded ring mechanism provides height adjustment for surface irregularities, while the embedded castor enables movement on flat surfaces. This single integrated device replaces what would otherwise require separate leveling devices and castors.
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
This design enhances appliance stability, simplifies movement, reduces part count, and ensures easy height adjustment while maintaining structural integrity during leveling, preventing unexpected movements and ensuring secure locking.
Implementation Method 1
The height adjuster foot comprises a threaded axis with a low plate and an endless wheel
Implementation Method 2
In the internal ring, there is a rebound positioned at a lower end of the external threads of the internal ring, which does not allow the total removal of the external ring
Implementation Method 3
The castors comprise wheels or hinged cylinders that enable the free movement of the device on a relatively flat surface
Data Source
AI summary
Leveling feet have embedded castors (3) that allow the leveling of a household appliance with a plastic thread. The castors are positioned relative to the floor to allow for movement of the household appliance upon the castors. The leveling feet have a base, that is preferably metallic, and that is connected to an internal ring (6), which contains threads on an external surface thereof. An external ring is coupled to the internal ring and has internal threads for mating with the external threads of the internal ring. The external ring moves vertically on the threads of the internal ring to change the height of the appliance.