Spring-Driven Support Panel Height Adjustment for Floor Coverings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing height-adjustable support plates for floor coverings are laborious to adjust, particularly in large paving slabs with heavy loads or in edge/corner situations where accessibility is limited, hindering efficient laying processes.
Innovation Solution
A spring drive mechanism pre-tensions two discs to adjust height automatically and a holding device fixes the discs in a predetermined position, allowing release via cord, timer, or remote control, simplifying the adjustment process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of support plates is used, then height adjustment is possible, but the adjustment process becomes laborious and time-consuming, especially in heavy loads and limited accessibility situations
Solution Approach 1:
The spring drive mechanism is pre-loaded with stored energy before the adjustment operation. When the locking mechanism is released, the pre-stored spring energy automatically executes the height adjustment, eliminating the need for manual operation during the adjustment process itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The support plate performs its own height adjustment through the spring-driven automatic mechanism. Once the locking mechanism is released, the system self-adjusts to the new height position without requiring external manual intervention, making the system adjust itself.
2Reliability
If manual adjustment is used in heavy loads and limited accessibility situations, then height adjustment is achieved, but the operation becomes extremely laborious and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical adjustment operation is replaced by an automatic spring-driven mechanical system. The spring mechanism converts stored elastic energy into rotational motion that adjusts the support plate height, replacing the need for manual mechanical manipulation in difficult-to-reach locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is pre-loaded with energy before the adjustment is needed. This preliminary energy storage allows the system to automatically perform the adjustment work when released, making operation easy even in situations with limited accessibility or heavy loads.
3Ease of operation
If the spring drive mechanism is added to enable automatic adjustment, then ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring drive mechanism is integrated into the existing support plate structure, merging the automatic adjustment function with the structural components. The spring, drive mechanism, and locking system are combined into a unified assembly that works together within the support plate housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-driven mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides the driving force for adjustment, stores energy for the adjustment operation, and works in conjunction with the locking mechanism to maintain positions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components.
4Ease of operation
If the holding device is made easily releasable for simple operation, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of unintended release and loss of position stability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is pre-loaded with energy while the locking mechanism holds it in place. This preliminary energy storage allows for easy release (pulling the cord) while maintaining stability during normal operation, as the spring cannot accidentally release without the locking mechanism being disengaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The cord acts as an intermediary between the operator and the locking mechanism. Pulling the cord triggers the release of the locking mechanism, which then allows the spring to execute the adjustment. This intermediary provides a simple, reliable interface that is easy to operate but requires deliberate action to release.
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
Facilitates easy and efficient height adjustment of support plates, ensuring stable support even in heavy loads and uneven substrates, with no additional fixing needed post-adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
a spring drive (2) which acts in an upward direction on the individual plates (9)
Implementation Method 2
The gradient of the ramps is chosen such that the relative rotation is self-locking due to the friction cone
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a height-adjustable support plate (1) comprising two individual plates (9) which change their overall height by rotating relative to each other. A spring drive (2) is provided which acts on the individual plates in the upward direction; and a position holder (7) is provided, which can be actuated mechanically, optionally with a retaining spring (8), or electrically, and which releasably fixes the angular position of the two individual plates (9) relative to each other in a lowered position. The position holder (7) is released mechanically, preferably by means of a cord, remotely, or by a timer as a self-timer.