Self-Leveling Bracket for Vertical Items
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-adjusting support systems are not designed to maintain vertically oriented platforms or items, such as satellite dishes, in a level position on uneven surfaces, posing stability and safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A vertically-oriented support bracket assembly with angled slots and semi-cylindrical channels allows for attachment of pivot devices, enabling independent rotation and pivoting of leg assemblies to self-level vertically oriented items on uneven surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If self-adjusting support assemblies are used on uneven surfaces, then the platform can self-level, but the system is not suitable for vertically oriented items
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is divided into distinct functional segments: a vertical support portion for mounting to the pole, and angled support portions for receiving the leg assemblies. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function, enabling the bracket to properly support vertically oriented items while maintaining compatibility with self-leveling mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from horizontal platform support to vertical orientation support by changing the spatial dimension of the bracket structure. The vertical support portion extends perpendicular to the ground, while the angled support portions provide lateral support, creating a three-dimensional configuration suitable for vertically mounted items.
2Reliability
If fixed support structures are used, then vertical items can be mounted, but they cannot self-level on uneven surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket incorporates dynamic elements through the angled support portions that can rotate and adjust. The leg assemblies connected to the bracket can pivot independently, allowing the structure to dynamically adapt to uneven surfaces while maintaining stable vertical mounting of supported items.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket design achieves multi-functionality by combining fixed vertical support capability with adjustable self-leveling capability. The same bracket structure provides both stable mounting for vertical items and adaptive adjustment to uneven ground conditions, eliminating the need for separate fixed and adjustable support systems.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard horizontal support brackets are used for vertical items, then manufacturing is simple, but the items become unstable and may tip over
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket employs asymmetric geometry with a vertical support portion and angled support portions at specific angles (e.g., 45 degrees). This asymmetric design provides optimal mechanical advantage for vertical support while preventing tipping, unlike symmetric horizontal brackets that would be inadequate for vertical mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the bracket have specialized local characteristics: the vertical support portion is optimized for vertical load bearing, while the angled support portions are optimized for lateral stability and adjustment. This local optimization of structural properties ensures overall stability without requiring complex fabrication throughout the entire bracket.
Data Source
AI summary
A support bracket for use with self-leveling devices, wherein the support bracket includes two identical sections attached to one another, and wherein each section further includes a first upwardly-angled side portion that further includes a slot formed horizontally therein and a semi-cylindrical channel formed vertically therein, and wherein the slot and semi-cylindrical channel intersect one another in a perpendicular manner; a second upwardly-angled side portion that further includes a slot formed horizontally therein and a semi-cylindrical channel formed vertically therein, and wherein the slot and semi-cylindrical channel intersect one another in a perpendicular manner; and a middle portion positioned between the first and second upwardly-angled side portions that further includes a semi-cylindrical channel formed vertically therein.