Stabilization of objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional four-legged furniture and appliances are unstable on uneven surfaces due to the rigid arrangement of legs, which restricts them from maintaining contact with the ground simultaneously, leading to rocking or instability issues.
Innovation Solution
A stabilizing arrangement with slidably connected legs and balance beams that allow diagonal movement, ensuring all legs maintain contact with the ground even on uneven surfaces, using an interconnection means with balance beams that pivotally connect to each leg, allowing for relative movement to compensate for surface irregularities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If four rigid legs of equal length are used to support an object, then the object can maintain a stable quadrilateral shape in plan view, 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 interconnection means through slide connections. Each leg can independently adjust its position along the balance beams, transforming the rigid structure into a dynamic system that adapts to uneven surfaces while maintaining stability through the balance beam mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the leg positions to vary continuously along the balance beams. The slide connections enable each leg to change its distance from the interconnection means, adjusting the geometric parameters of the support structure to conform to surface irregularities while preserving the quadrilateral configuration
2Stability of the object's composition
If three fixed legs are used to prevent rocking on uneven surfaces, then stability is improved, but the quadrilateral shape and aesthetic appearance are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the dynamics principle to enable four legs to remain in contact with the ground on uneven surfaces through movable connections. The balance beams with slide connections allow the leg positions to adjust dynamically, maintaining the quadrilateral shape while achieving the stability previously thought to require only three legs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the support structure into independent movable legs connected through balance beams. Each leg can adjust its position independently along its balance beam, allowing the system to maintain the four-leg quadrilateral configuration while adapting to surface variations
3Stability of the object's composition
If five fixed legs are used on wheeled office chairs, then the likelihood of significant rocking instability is reduced, but the device complexity and structural design become more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetry in the balance beam configuration where beams connect adjacent legs in sequence around the quadrilateral structure. This asymmetric arrangement of balance beams allows four legs to achieve stability equivalent to five legs by creating a kinematic chain that prevents rocking while maintaining simpler four-leg geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamics to enable the four-leg structure to achieve five-leg stability through movable connections. The balance beams with slide connections create a dynamic system that can accommodate surface variations, eliminating the need for the fifth leg while maintaining high stability
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 solution provides stability to objects like tables and appliances on both flat and warped surfaces by ensuring all ground-engaging means remain in contact, reducing the likelihood of rocking and enhancing stability without the need for fewer legs, which can compromise aesthetics or functionality.
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
each of the first, second, third and fourth legs being slidably connected to the interconnection means by a respective slide connection
Data Source
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.