Stabilisation of objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional four-legged furniture and appliances are unstable on uneven surfaces due to rigid leg configurations that cannot adjust to accommodate uneven terrain without user intervention, leading to rocking or tipping.
Innovation Solution
A stabilizing arrangement with four legs, each slidably connected to an interconnection means, and balance beams that pivotally engage with each leg, allowing for automatic adjustment to uneven surfaces without user input, ensuring all legs remain in contact with the ground.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If four rigid legs of equal length are used to support a flat table top, then the table top maintains a fixed planar shape, but the legs cannot all contact the ground simultaneously on uneven surfaces causing instability and rocking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the legs movable relative to the table top through slide connections. Instead of rigid fixed legs, each leg can slide along its respective balance beam, allowing the leg positions to dynamically adjust as the table encounters uneven ground. This dynamic adjustment enables all four legs to maintain ground contact while the table top remains substantially planar, resolving the contradiction between fixed geometry and adaptive stability.
2Reliability
If three fixed legs are used instead of four, then rocking instability is eliminated, but the quadrilateral shape preference and four-point support are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses four legs arranged in a quadrilateral configuration with slide connections that allow dynamic adjustment. The balance beams and slide mechanisms enable the legs to move independently to accommodate uneven surfaces while maintaining the four-point quadrilateral support structure. This dynamic design preserves the preferred quadrilateral geometry while preventing rocking through adaptive ground contact.
3Reliability
If clamping screw arrangements are added to lock leg positions, then free roll of the table top is prevented, but user intervention is required to operate the screws and enable/disable leg movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by eliminating the need for user intervention through clamping screws. The balance beam mechanism with slide connections automatically prevents free roll of the table top while allowing passive adaptation to uneven surfaces. The interconnection between legs through balance beams creates inherent stability that prevents rolling without requiring active locking mechanisms or user operation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the legs are made slidable relative to the table top, then the legs can conform to uneven surfaces, but the table top becomes prone to free roll and pitch instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses balance beams as intermediary elements between the legs and table top. These balance beams serve as mediators that transmit and distribute forces while constraining leg movement to controlled sliding motions. The balance beams prevent uncontrolled roll and pitch by providing structural interconnection and force resolution, while still allowing the legs to slide and accommodate uneven terrain.
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
The arrangement provides stable support on both flat and uneven surfaces by allowing legs to move in opposite directions, maintaining contact with the ground and preventing rocking or tipping, thus enhancing the stability of objects like tables and chairs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one balance beam, including a first balance beam pivotally connected directly or indirectly to the interconnection means and engaging in use with the first leg and engaging in use with the second leg
Implementation Method 2
a first balance beam pivotally connected directly or indirectly to the interconnection means and engaging in use with the first leg and engaging in use with the second leg; wherein a respective position of each of the respective legs is determined by one each of at least two of the following additional constraints
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
Stabilising arrangement (1) for supporting an object (4) has: first, second, third and fourth legs (5, 6, 7, 8) with respective ground engaging means and connected to interconnection means (2) by respective slide connections, the second and fourth ground engaging means on opposing sides of a virtual line between the first and third ground engaging means; a first balance beam (32) pivoted to the interconnection means and engaging with the first and second legs, the position of each leg determined by at least two additional constraints: i. a second balance beam (33) pivoted to the interconnection means and engaging with the second and third legs; ii. a third balance beam (34) pivoted to the interconnection means and engaging with the third and fourth legs; iii. a first leg fixing (46) connecting the first and third legs; and iv. a second leg fixing (47) connecting the second and fourth legs.