Oblique Surface Leveling Device with Rotating Flange

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional leveling devices for workpieces with oblique fixing surfaces suffer from limited stability and play, requiring frequent maintenance and being incompatible with existing locking devices.

Innovation Solution

A leveling device with a base and flange system that adjusts to compensate for angular misalignment using oblique faces and a rotating mechanism, allowing precise alignment of oblique fixing surfaces to a platform without play, utilizing a base with adjustable components for secure fixation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional ball coupling leveling device is used to compensate for angular misalignment, then the workpiece can be fixed to the platform, but the device has limited stability and requires frequent maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to compensate for angular misalignmentVSAvoidstability and maintenance frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary leveling device composed of two plates (first plate fixed to platform, second plate fixed to workpiece) that mediates between the platform and workpiece. The plates are connected through adjustable support elements that compensate for angular misalignment while providing stable, maintenance-free operation, eliminating the need for ball couplings

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical ball coupling system with a plate-based structure using adjustable support elements (such as threaded rods or shims) that provide angular compensation through mechanical adjustment rather than spherical movement, thereby eliminating play and improving reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If a conventional leveling device is used, then angular misalignment can be compensated, but the device is subject to play and requires frequent maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidmaintenance frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The leveling device incorporates adjustable support elements that allow for self-adjustment and self-leveling during installation. The rigid plate structure with adjustable supports eliminates the need for ongoing maintenance while maintaining precise alignment, as the device self-accommodates angular misalignment through the adjustable supports rather than requiring periodic intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional leveling device is used, then the workpiece can be fixed to the platform, but the device is not easily compatible with existing locking devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with locking devicesVSAvoidleveling device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first plate of the leveling device is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate various locking devices. The plate provides multiple mounting points and a flat surface that works with different pin and locking mechanisms, making the leveling device compatible with existing locking devices without requiring complex custom interfaces

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

Data Source

PatentEP4286091A1Leveling device for fixing a workpiece which is provided with at least two flat fixing surfaces, which are oblique to each other, to a platform
Publication Date: 2023.12.06 OFFICINA MECCANICA LOMBARDA SRL
  • EP4286091A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4286091A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4286091A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A leveling device for fixing a workpiece (W) which is provided with at least two fixing surfaces (W'1, W'2), which are oblique to each other, to a platform (P) via a locking device (110), comprising : a base (24) having a first fixing plane (24') adapted to be fixed parallel to a platform (P), and a first flat oblique face (26) which is inclined at a first angle (α) with respect to the first fixing plane (24'). A flange (28) has a second fixing plane (28') adapted to be fixed parallel to one (W'2) of two fixing surfaces of a workpiece (W) which are oblique to each other, using a fixing device (110), and a second flat oblique face (30) which is inclined at a second angle (β) with respect to the second fixing plane (28') and is in abutment against the first flat oblique face (26). The flange (28) is supported so that it can rotate by the base (24) about an axis (K) perpendicular to the first flat oblique face (26) and to the second flat oblique face (30).