Rolling Device Height Adjustment via Bevel Gear Torque Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for adjusting the height of sliding cupboard doors relative to the ground are impractical, as they require cumbersome on-site adjustments, often in cramped spaces, and can be aesthetically unappealing or costly, especially when manufacturing inaccuracies are involved.
Innovation Solution
A rolling device with a static and adjustable element, where the adjustable element can translate along a vertical axis, and a bevel gear mechanism allows torque adjustment along a non-perpendicular axis, facilitating easy height adjustment without the need for direct vertical access, and can be integrated into the panel for a hidden aesthetic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the rolling device is configured with adjustment means requiring vertical access for torque application, then the height adjustment function is achieved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to cramped access conditions inside cupboards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the dimension of torque application from vertical (along the adjustment axis) to horizontal (perpendicular to the panel). The adjustment means includes a protruding element with a head that receives torque horizontally, allowing operation from the front of the cupboard rather than requiring vertical access from below the panel.
2Shape
If the rolling means are fixed against the internal face of the panel for aesthetic reasons, then the appearance is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates as adjustment becomes difficult or impossible in cluttered, dark, or small cupboards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the adjustment means on the external face of the panel, allowing horizontal torque application from the front. This maintains the aesthetic requirement of fixing rolling means against the internal face while completely changing the access dimension for adjustment operations.
3Shape
If the rolling device is inserted into the thickness of the panel for aesthetic reasons, then the appearance is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to costly routing operations, especially for glass panels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the adjustment means from the panel thickness and positions it on the external face. This eliminates the need for routing operations into the panel, significantly simplifying manufacturing while maintaining the aesthetic appearance achieved by fixing rolling means against the internal face.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the rolling device requires on-site adjustment after panel installation, then the adaptability to manufacturing inaccuracies is improved, but the productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming disassembly and reassembly operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables height adjustment to be performed during the initial installation process rather than requiring subsequent disassembly and reassembly. The adjustment means is designed to be accessible and operable while the panel is being installed, allowing manufacturers to accommodate manufacturing variations without additional time-consuming operations.
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 simple, quick, and practical adjustment of the panel's height relative to the ground, improving accessibility and aesthetics by allowing torque application along a more accessible axis, reducing the risk of derailment, and maintaining robustness and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a member (9) forming a bevel gear capable of converting a torque being exerted on it along a transmission axis (T) forming an angle, comprised between 10° and 90°, with said vertical axis (Z) into a torque of vertical axis (Z) exerted on said adjustment means
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6
AI summary
The invention relates to a rolling device (1) intended to be fixed to the lower part of a panel (4) to allow its movement on the ground, comprising: - a first static element (2) having means for fixing (3) said panel (4), - a second adjustable element (5) having rolling means (6) adapted to move in a horizontal plane XY, the adjustable element (5) being able to translate inside the static element (2) along a vertical axis Z orthogonal to the plane XY, - means for adjusting the spacing along the vertical axis Z between the adjustable element (5) and the static element (2) under the effect of a torque being applied to them along said axis Z. This device (1) further comprises a right-angle transmission element (9) able to convert a torque being applied to it along a transmission axis T forming an angle between 10° and 90° with said vertical axis Z into a torque about the vertical axis Z applied to said adjustment means.