Raised-Floor Support With Open-Ring Tilt Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing universal supports for raised floors require complex modifications and bulky components to enable or disable the tilting function, increasing manufacturing costs and times.
Innovation Solution
A universal support system with an open ring that can be reversibly coupled to a circular neck on the intermediate element, allowing the tilting function to be enabled or disabled by simply adding or removing the ring, which is elastic and easily maneuverable, without altering the shape of the head or intermediate element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a ring is added to lock the tilting function, then the support becomes universal (both tilting and non-tilting), but the device complexity increases due to additional components and modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The support system achieves universality by using the same base, intermediate element, and head for both tilting and non-tilting applications. The open ring acts as an optional locking component that can be added or removed to switch between functions, allowing a single base design to serve multiple purposes without requiring separate specialized supports.
Solution Approach 2:
The tilting locking function is extracted as a separate, removable open ring component rather than being integrated into the intermediate element itself. This allows the locking mechanism to be independently added or removed, simplifying the base design while maintaining versatility. The open ring is a standalone element that interfaces with existing features on the intermediate element.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a ring is added to disable tilting, then the support can lock the tilting function, but the manufacturing complexity and costs increase due to additional machining operations
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate element is pre-designed with a groove and circular neck features during the base manufacturing process. These preliminary structural features are prepared in advance to receive the open ring, which is then simply fitted or snap-installed. This approach avoids complex post-manufacturing operations while enabling the locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The open ring combines multiple functions into a single component: it engages with the groove to provide structural support, interfaces with the circular neck to enable reversible installation, and physically blocks the tilting movement when installed. This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts and manufacturing operations required.
3Ease of operation
If the open ring is made elastic to enable easy coupling, then the ease of operation improves, but the reliability may be affected by potential deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The open ring is made from elastic material with specific mechanical properties that allow temporary deformation during installation and removal. The material parameters are selected so that the ring can be easily stretched or compressed to fit over the circular neck, then returns to its original shape to provide reliable locking. The elastic properties are carefully controlled to ensure both ease of operation and consistent locking force.
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 easy transformation between tilting and non-tilting functions using the same base, head, and intermediate element, reducing manufacturing complexity and costs while providing a simple and effective locking mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
the open ring being elastic so as to be able to deform elastically in order to embrace the circular neck
Data Source
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AI summary
There is described a support (1) for raised floors comprising a base (2), an intermediate element (3) and a head (4) on which raised floor portions rest. The support (1) is of the universal type, namely it allows selectively both a tilting movement of the head (4) on the intermediate element (2), and only a rotation movement of the head (4) on the intermediate element (3) about an axis perpendicular to a plane on which the base (2) rests. The intermediate element (3) is centrally provided with a circular element (80) that comprises a circular neck (81) from which the teeth (8) protrude outwards. The support (1) further comprises an open ring (100) adapted to be reversibly coupled to the circular neck (81) under the teeth (8).