Self-Leveling Platform Actuator Mechanism for Tool-Free Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stage and platform systems require complex assembly, are prone to misalignment, lack stability, and require tools for adjustments, and do not self-level effectively on uneven surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A self-leveling platform system with module assemblies, supports having an elongate and extendible portion, and an actuator assembly that allows for rapid extension and locking to level the system on uneven surfaces, enabling easy assembly and disassembly by hand without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional locking mechanisms are used for supports, then the platform can be secured, but assembly and disassembly become difficult and require tools
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into separate components: an elongate portion, an extendible portion, and a base member. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured and assembled, enabling tool-free assembly while maintaining structural integrity and stability when connected.
Solution Approach 2:
The extendible portion is designed to be movable relative to the elongate portion, allowing the support length to be dynamically adjusted. This dynamic capability enables easy assembly and disassembly without tools, while the locking mechanism provides stability when in position.
2Reliability
If traditional locking mechanisms are used, then the platform can be secured, but misalignment occurs and multiple pieces are required
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism integrates multiple functions into a single component that combines the elongate portion, extendible portion, and base member into a unified structure. This merging reduces the number of separate parts required while maintaining stability and preventing misalignment through the interlocking design.
3Manufacturing precision
If shims are used to account for uneven surfaces, then the platform can be leveled, but assembly becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The extendible portion is designed to automatically adjust its length based on the underlying surface conditions. When the support is inserted into the receiving member, the extendible portion extends or retracts to compensate for uneven surfaces, providing self-leveling functionality without requiring external shims or complex assembly procedures.
4Ease of operation
If manual adjustment is used for leveling, then tools are not required, but the process is slow and imprecise
Solution Approach 1:
The extendible portion is designed with dynamic adjustment capability, allowing it to rapidly extend or retract in response to surface conditions. This dynamic mechanism enables quick and precise leveling without requiring tools or manual shim installation, significantly improving assembly speed while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A platform system for self-leveling a stage is provided and includes one or more module assemblies and one or more supports. Each module assembly includes one or more receiving members for engaging and removably securing the one or more supports. Each support includes an elongate portion, an extendible portion extendible from and lockingly engageable with the elongate portion, a base member removably attached to the extendible portion, and an actuator assembly secured to the elongate portion and in communication with the extendible portion. The actuator assembly is configured to rapidly extend and lockingly engage the extendible portion and the base member to provide self-leveling of each of the one or more module assemblies of the stage as the base member engages an underlying surface.