Modular Support Block With Anti-Rotation Height Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular support frames for clamping arrangements are unsafe and unstable, lacking sufficient mechanical stability for secure clamping of workpieces.

Innovation Solution

The modular support frame incorporates an anti-rotation device with an anti-rotation groove and pin, a screw connection with external and internal threads, and a height adjustment mechanism using a threaded spindle and lock nut, along with an angle compensation element and magnetic holding mechanism, to enhance stability and adjustability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the support module is simply loosely attached to the extension module, then the support frame can be manufactured with little effort, but the construction is unsafe and unstable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing effortVSAvoidconstruction safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support frame is divided into modular components (support module, extension module, foot module) that can be manufactured separately and assembled together. Each module has standardized connection interfaces that enable safe and stable assembly while maintaining ease of manufacture. The segmentation allows for specialized design of each module with appropriate connection features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection between modules transitions from a static loose attachment to a dynamic adjustable connection. The height adjustment mechanism allows the support module to be positioned at different heights relative to the extension module, providing both stability when locked and ease of adjustment when needed. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by enabling secure connection while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If the support module is simply loosely attached to the extension module, then the support frame can be manufactured with little effort, but the construction is unsafe and unstable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing effortVSAvoidconstruction stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The support frame is divided into modular components (support module, extension module, foot module) that can be manufactured separately and assembled together. Each module has standardized connection interfaces that enable safe and stable assembly while maintaining ease of manufacture. The segmentation allows for specialized design of each module with appropriate connection features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection between modules transitions from a static loose attachment to a dynamic adjustable connection. The height adjustment mechanism allows the support module to be positioned at different heights relative to the extension module, providing both stability when locked and ease of adjustment when needed. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by enabling secure connection while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If a height adjustment device with threaded spindle and lock nut is provided, then fine adjustment of overall height is possible, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheight adjustment precisionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The threaded spindle and lock nut mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides fine height adjustment, maintains positional stability when locked, and can be integrated into the existing modular structure. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering precise height adjustment capability while maintaining overall system simplicity through standardized fastening components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution provides a safe, mechanically stable, and adjustable modular support frame that can be customized to various heights and orientations, ensuring secure clamping of workpieces and accommodating different dimensions and configurations.

Implementation Method 1

the support module comprises a magnetic element by means of which the angle compensation element is held in different angular positions with respect to the longitudinal axis of the support module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic holding: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3822021B1Modular support block
Publication Date: 2024.10.23 ANDREAS MAIER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3822021B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3822021B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3822021B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Modular support stand comprising a support module (118; 118') comprising a base part (124) and a head part (128) which is height-adjustable relative to the base part (124), and an extension module (120; 120') onto which the support module (118; 118') can be placed, characterized in that a rotation lock (182) is provided by means of which the extension module (120; 120') can be secured in a predetermined angular position with respect to a longitudinal axis (126) of the support stand (108) relative to the support module (118; 118').