Low-Profile Panel Leveler Leg With Pivot Angle Adjustment

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing leveler systems for upright panel systems, such as office furniture, require a significant foot thickness to accommodate adjustable glides, leading to an unsightly, tripping hazard, and interference with adjacent structures due to the need for multiple threads for adjustability.

Innovation Solution

A low-profile leveler design featuring a foot with an upright adjustment mechanism that includes a pivoting upright leg and tubular support, allowing for angle adjustment via set screws, eliminating the need for adjustable glides and reducing foot thickness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If threaded glides are used for adjustment, then adjustability is achieved, but foot thickness increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadjustabilityVSAvoidfoot thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment mechanism is segmented into separate components: a glide body with threaded adjustment capability is separated from the foot structure. The glide body can be adjusted independently without requiring increased foot thickness, as the adjustment threads are contained within the glide body rather than requiring thickness in the foot itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The threaded adjustment mechanism is nested within the glide body structure. The glide body contains the threaded portions and adjustment mechanism internally, allowing the foot to maintain a thin profile while the glide body provides the necessary adjustment capability through its own internal threading and structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple threads are accommodated in the foot, then adjustability is provided, but the foot becomes a trip hazard

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadjustabilityVSAvoidtrip hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment mechanism is segmented into separate components: a glide body with threaded adjustment capability is separated from the foot structure. The glide body can be adjusted independently without requiring increased foot thickness, as the adjustment threads are contained within the glide body rather than requiring thickness in the foot itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The threaded adjustment mechanism is extracted from the foot structure and placed into a separate glide body component. This extraction allows the foot to maintain a thin, safe profile while the glide body provides the necessary adjustment capability through its own internal threading and structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If significant foot thickness is used, then threaded glide accommodation is enabled, but interference with adjacent structures occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadjustabilityVSAvoidfoot area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment mechanism is segmented into separate components: a glide body with threaded adjustment capability is separated from the foot structure. The glide body can be adjusted independently without requiring increased foot thickness, as the adjustment threads are contained within the glide body rather than requiring thickness in the foot itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The threaded adjustment mechanism is extracted from the foot structure and placed into a separate glide body component. This extraction allows the foot to maintain a thin, safe profile while the glide body provides the necessary adjustment capability through its own internal threading and structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 adjustable upright panels with a low-profile foot that does not interfere with adjacent structures, providing effective leveling without the bulk and hazards associated with traditional designs.

Implementation Method 1

A pair of set screws may extend into opposing sides of the tubular support and into engagement with opposing walls of the lower portion of the upright leg to enable the angle of the upright leg to be set

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

A generally horizontal pin extends through a portion of the upright leg, such that the upright leg can pivot about the pin with respect to the foot

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFulcrum: Lever

Data Source

PatentUS10258156B2Leveler leg

Publication Date: 2019.04.16 HAWORTH INC

AI summary

An adjustable panel leg system in a low-profile design includes a foot, an upright leg for supporting an object such as a panel, and an upright adjustment mechanism disposed above the foot and between the foot and the upright leg to enable adjustment of the angle of the upright leg with respect to the foot. The upright adjustment mechanism may include a horizontal pin extending through a portion of the upright leg, such that the upright leg can pivot about the pin with respect to the foot. The upright adjustment mechanism may also include a tubular support extending upwardly from the foot. A portion of the upright leg extends into the opening of the tubular support. The pin extends through the tubular support and the portion of the upright leg such that the leg can pivot within the tubular support.