Levelling Device Top-Access Threaded Rod Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing levelling and supporting devices require users to access the underside of structures, posing safety risks and making adjustments difficult, especially under significant loads, and often involve fixedly securing load-bearing members to footings or requiring movement of the footing for levelling.
Innovation Solution
A levelling apparatus with an adjustable coupling member operable from the top surface of the structure, utilizing a retaining member and an elongate threaded rod extending between the top and bottom surfaces, allowing for levelling without accessing the underside, and providing a mechanical advantage for adjusting significant loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users access the underside of structures to operate levelling devices, then levelling adjustment is achieved, but safety risks increase and operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional levelling device operation by moving the adjustment mechanism from the underside to the top surface of the structure. The threaded rod and nut assembly are positioned above the structure, allowing users to operate the levelling mechanism from the top rather than crawling underneath, thereby eliminating safety risks while maintaining adjustment functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the threaded rod extending through the retaining member and structure) that transfers the levelling adjustment force from the top surface down to the support members. This intermediary system allows remote operation from the top while still achieving the mechanical effect at the support points
2Strength
If significant loads are supported by traditional jack arrangements, then structural support is achieved, but the risk of jack movement off centre increases causing structure failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the load-bearing function across multiple threaded rods distributed at different locations within the retaining member. Instead of relying on a single jack, the structure is supported by multiple rods that collectively bear the significant load, distributing the force and preventing any single point from becoming unstable or moving off centre
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded rods are pre-positioned and secured within the retaining member structure before the structure is fully assembled or loaded. This preliminary positioning ensures that the load-bearing members are correctly aligned and secured, preventing movement off centre when significant loads are applied
3Strength
If threaded rods are fixed into footings for levelling adjustment, then structural support is achieved, but re-levelling requires removal of finished flooring material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic, adjustable levelling system where the threaded rods can be repeatedly adjusted without permanent fixation. The rods are secured in a way that allows rotation and height adjustment multiple times, enabling re-levelling operations without requiring removal of finished flooring materials. The system transitions from a static, one-time adjustment to a dynamic, reversible adjustment mechanism
4Ease of operation
If mechanical components are exposed to elements in outdoor structures, then adjustment functionality is maintained, but connection between steel rod and cement deteriorates over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces protective intermediary elements (seals, coatings, or enclosures) between the steel threaded rods and the cement footing. These intermediaries prevent direct contact between the metal components and moisture/elements, stopping the deterioration process while allowing the adjustment functionality to remain accessible and operational from the top surface
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
Enables safe and effortless levelling of structures from the top surface, reducing the effort required for adjustments and eliminating the need to access the underside, while maintaining structural integrity and safety by using the load for mechanical advantage.
Implementation Method 1
an adjustable coupling member operatively connected between the retaining member and the top surface of the structure in use and operable from the top surface of the structure allowing levelling of the structure
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a retaining member and an elongate threaded rod extending between the top and bottom surfaces, allowing for levelling without accessing the underside, and providing a mechanical advantage for adjusting significant loads
Data Source
AI summary
A levelling structure for levelling a structure having supports for secondary support on fixed footings. A coupling mechanism extends between an access point on the structure and the footings. Adjustment of the coupling member from the structure alters the elevation of the structure and supports together towards or away from the footings. By providing the adjustment from the structure itself, the requirement for elevational adjustment beneath the structure is avoided as well as adjustment against the opposition of the load.