Portable Roller Support with Height-Adjustable Legs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional roller supports are not suitable for field applications, as they lack the necessary height adjustability to accommodate working surfaces that are not at the typical workbench or shop tool height, and do not provide a stable rolling support when used off the ground.
Innovation Solution
A portable roller support device with height-adjustable legs and a stable base, featuring reversible threaded studs for attachment to surfaces and locking knobs for secure positioning, allowing for use on uneven surfaces and enabling both portable and permanent installations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional roller supports are used with fixed height, then they provide stable support for workbench applications, but they cannot accommodate field applications with varying surface heights
Solution Approach 1:
The roller support device incorporates adjustable legs with threaded studs and locking knobs that allow the height to be dynamically changed. The legs can be extended or retracted and locked at various positions, transforming the fixed-height structure into a dynamic, adaptable system suitable for both workbench and field applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller support device is designed to serve multiple functions: it can be used on workbenches with standard heights, adjusted for field applications on varying surfaces, and the threaded studs can function both as adjustment mechanisms and as attachment points for securing the device to surfaces. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional roller supports are used on uneven field surfaces, then they lack the necessary height adjustment range, but adding adjustment mechanisms increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable legs with threaded studs enable dynamic height modification to accommodate uneven field surfaces. The locking knobs provide a simple mechanism to secure the legs at the required height, making the adjustment process straightforward despite the added functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded studs serve a dual purpose: they act as the adjustment mechanism for height modification and simultaneously function as attachment points for securing the roller support to surfaces. This self-service design reduces the need for separate adjustment and attachment components, simplifying operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If roller supports are designed for fixed height, then manufacturing is simpler, but they cannot be adapted to different working heights in field conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The roller support device is divided into modular components: the base, the adjustable legs with threaded studs, the locking knobs, and the roller assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard machining processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while enabling height variability through combination of parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded studs are designed to serve multiple functions: as adjustment mechanisms for height variation and as attachment points for securing the device. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed, simplifying manufacturing compared to having separate adjustment and attachment systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A Portable Roller Support Device is disclosed. The device provides rolling support for material in the process of being cut or otherwise manipulated. The support has a stable base and a series of height-adjustable legs with feet at their bottoms. The adjustable legs are also reversible such that the legs can perform an additional function of a threaded stud for attaching the support to a bench or table. Locking knobs are provided to enable the legs to be locked in a desired position once adjusted to that point.