Modular Staircase Attachment with Friction Locking Wedge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Customized spiral staircases are not easily adaptable to different installation heights and spaces, requiring specific step heights and angular offsets, as well as custom support columns, limiting their versatility and increasing fabrication costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular staircase kit that includes attachment members with locking elements, such as curved wedges, which securely attach steps to a vertical elongate support member without the need for fasteners, allowing for adjustable step heights and angular positions, and accommodating various support member diameters, enabling flexible installation configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a customized spiral staircase is designed for a particular installation height and space, then the staircase fits the specific installation requirements, but the staircase cannot be adapted to different installations with different heights and spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The support column is divided into multiple modular sections that can be assembled in different combinations. Each section has standardized fixtures at predetermined positions, allowing the column to be configured for various heights and step arrangements without custom fabrication for each installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The staircase system incorporates adjustable components that allow modification of step heights and angular offsets. The modular design enables the staircase to be reconfigured for different installation spaces by rearranging the modular sections and adjusting the angular position of steps.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a customised support column with fixtures at correct positions is fabricated, then the support column supports steps at correct heights for a particular installation, but a new custom column is required for each different installation
Solution Approach 1:
The modular support column sections are designed with universal fixtures at predetermined positions that can accommodate multiple step configurations. A single set of modular sections can serve multiple installation scenarios by varying the assembly configuration, eliminating the need for custom fabrication for each installation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a modular staircase with standardized components is used, then the staircase can be adapted to different installations, but the connection between steps and support member may not be secure
Solution Approach 1:
An attachment member serves as an intermediary component between the support column and the step. This attachment member includes a locking element that secures the step to the support column, providing a reliable connection while maintaining the modular design that allows adaptation to different installations.
4Reliability
If a tight fit between rings and supporting rod is used, then the attachment members are securely held, but assembly requires precise fitting and may be difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment member acts as an intermediary that simplifies assembly. It includes a locking element that can be easily engaged with the support column, providing secure holding without requiring precise fitting between the rings and supporting rod. The locking element compensates for minor dimensional variations and simplifies the assembly process.
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 modular design allows for easy assembly and reconfiguration of staircases to fit different spaces, reducing fabrication costs and increasing versatility, while providing a secure and adjustable structure for supporting steps and other fixtures.
Implementation Method 1
a locking element which is a curved wedge and which secures the attachment member to the elongate support member by friction
Implementation Method 2
The locking element is inserted into an aperture in the attachment member which is larger than a lateral dimension of the elongate support member to provide a gap between the attachment member and the elongate support member when received in the aperture
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A kit of parts for securing a plurality of fixtures to an elongate support member is described. The kit of parts comprises a plurality of attachment members. Each attachment member comprises an aperture for receiving the elongate support member and a fixing detail adapted to attach a fixture to the attachment member. The aperture is larger than a lateral dimension of the elongate support member to provide a gap between the attachment member and elongate support member when received in the aperture. The kit of parts also comprises a plurality of locking elements. Each locking element is adapted to be received in the aperture in the gap between the attachment member and the elongate support member to secure the attachment member to the elongate support member by friction. Further, each attachment member is adapted to engage an adjacent attachment member when secured to the elongate support member by at least one said locking element to form a hollow column secured around the elongate support member for supporting a plurality of fixtures.