Reversible Leveling Pad for Uneven Ground and Tilted Supports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Outdoor free-standing structures like swing sets, forts, and gazebos face issues with uneven ground, ground moisture, weed whacking damage, and tilting, which existing solutions do not adequately address simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A universal leveling device with a reversible support pad featuring flat and vee grooves, made of moisture-resistant materials, that provides leveling, anchoring, and protection against damage, while being stackable for additional support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a concrete footing is used to stabilize outdoor structures, then stability is improved, but installation complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the stabilization system into separate modular components: a pad component and a support component. The pad is inserted into the ground first, then the support is attached to the structure and connected to the pad, eliminating the need for a single complex concrete footing while maintaining stability through modular assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The pad component is installed in advance by inserting it into the ground at the desired location. This preliminary action creates a pre-positioned base that simplifies subsequent steps, as the support component can then be directly attached to the structure and connected to the already-positioned pad without requiring complex simultaneous installation
2Ease of manufacture
If support structures are placed directly on ground, then installation is simple, but damage from moisture and weed whacking increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pad serves as an intermediary component between the ground and the support structure. It provides a protective interface that shields the wooden support from direct contact with harmful ground conditions like moisture and weed whacker blades, while still allowing simple installation by inserting the pad into the ground and attaching the support to it
Solution Approach 2:
The pad creates a simplified replica or substitute for the complex concrete footing function. It copies the protective and stabilizing functions of a concrete base but in a much simpler form that can be easily installed and removed, providing the same protection against moisture and damage without the installation complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable positioning is implemented, then adaptability to uneven ground is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support component incorporates adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow it to be moved and repositioned relative to the pad. This dynamic capability enables adaptation to uneven ground conditions and different installation scenarios, while the modular design keeps the overall device complexity manageable through simple adjustment movements rather than complex mechanical systems
Data Source
AI summary
A universal leveling device for outdoor structures of wood and other vulnerable materials for leveling, stabilizing and protecting against ground hazards, has at least a first and a second flat groove on its top, at right angle to each other, and on its bottom has first and second vee grooves each with two opposing angled walls. The reversible device can accommodate vertical and tilted support structures.