Segmented Stand Post With Detent Couplings for Cable Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stands for supporting articles on a floor or other surface lack a reliable and quick mechanism to position articles accurately, as they often experience axial and rotational movement issues, which complicates convenient use.
Innovation Solution
A stand design featuring a base portion, a post portion with multiple hollow members connected via couplings that prevent axial and rotational movement, and a platform portion, allowing for precise positioning and accommodating passageways for wires or conduits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional stand structures are used, then the stand can support articles, but axial and rotational movement occurs causing positioning inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The post portion is divided into multiple segments (first post segment, second post segment, third post segment) that can be independently positioned and secured. Each segment can be adjusted to desired heights and locked in place using coupling mechanisms with detent structures, enabling precise positioning while preventing unwanted axial and rotational movement through the segmented design.
Solution Approach 2:
The stand incorporates movable components including adjustable post segments that can be positioned at different heights and locked. The coupling mechanisms allow dynamic adjustment during assembly and use, with detent structures providing stable locked positions. This dynamic capability enables precise positioning while maintaining reliability once positioned.
2Ease of manufacture
If the stand structure is simplified, then manufacturing is easier, but the mechanism for preventing axial and rotational movement becomes less reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is divided into discrete components including coupling members with detent structures, post segments, and locking features. Each component can be manufactured independently using standard machining processes, simplifying production while the assembled coupling provides reliable prevention of axial and rotational movement through the integrated detent and locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanisms incorporate self-locking features through detent structures that automatically engage when post segments are positioned. The gravity-assisted engagement and mechanical interlocking provide reliable coupling without requiring additional fastening operations or complex assembly procedures, maintaining both manufacturing simplicity and coupling reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple post segments are used to enable adjustment, then positioning flexibility improves, but the complexity of preventing axial and rotational movement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The post portion is segmented into multiple adjustable sections (first, second, and third post segments) that can be independently positioned at different heights. Each segment connects through standardized coupling mechanisms with detent structures, providing positioning flexibility while maintaining consistent coupling complexity across all joints.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanisms are designed as universal components that perform multiple functions: connecting post segments, preventing axial movement through interference fits, preventing rotational movement through detent structures, and enabling height adjustment. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite the presence of multiple adjustable segments.
4Adaptability or versatility
If hollow post members are used, then cable protection is provided, but the structural integrity against axial and rotational movement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow post members are divided into segmented sections that can be independently coupled. Each segment maintains its hollow structure for cable protection while the coupling mechanisms between segments provide the necessary structural integrity. The segmented design allows cables to pass through continuously while coupling structures prevent axial and rotational movement at each joint.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow post members are designed to receive and protect cables within their hollow interiors. The coupling mechanisms nest together with interference fits and detent structures that engage between segments. This nested design allows the hollow structure to maintain cable protection functionality while the interlocking coupling portions provide the required structural strength to prevent unwanted movement.
Data Source
AI summary
A stand quickly and reliably supports an article at a desired location relative to a floor or other support surface for convenient use. The stand includes a base portion that is adapted to engage a support surface. A post portion includes a lower member connected to the base portion, an intermediate member, and a first coupling that prevents axial and rotational movement of the lower member relative to the intermediate member. The post portion also includes an upper member and a second coupling that prevents axial and rotational movement of the intermediate member relative to the upper member. Lastly, the stand includes a platform portion that is adapted to support an article. The lower member, the intermediate member, and the upper member of the post portion are each hollow and provide a passageway that extends from an opening formed through the base portion to an opening formed through the platform portion.