Height Adjustable Stilt Support with Anti-Migration Spacer Cross

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing height-adjustable pedestals for slabs with open joints on terraces and balconies face issues with spacer migration during dynamic movements, leading to uneven surfaces and installation challenges.

Innovation Solution

A non-reversing, height-adjustable pedestal design featuring a base plate with cylindrical bearing bases, hollow-cylindrical intermediate pieces, cap-shaped supports with anti-twist devices, and a spacer cross with locking surfaces and barbs that dig into actuating projections, preventing spacer migration and enhancing anti-reverse security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional height-adjustable pedestals are used, then height adjustment is enabled, but spacer migration occurs during dynamic movements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheight adjustmentVSAvoidspacer position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The spacer cross is designed with preliminary anti-action features (barbs and locking surfaces) that actively prevent migration before it can occur. The barbs protrude from the spacer cross and engage with the actuating projections on the intermediate pieces, creating a mechanical interlock that counteracts dynamic movements and prevents the spacer from shifting position during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The spacer cross acts as an intermediary element between the pedestal components (base plate, intermediate pieces, and supports). It mediates the interaction between these components by providing locking surfaces and barbs that stabilize the relative positions, preventing migration while allowing the height adjustment function to operate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If spacer cross is inserted to prevent migration, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespacer position stabilityVSAvoidpedestal structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spacer cross combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides the anti-migration locking mechanism through its barbs and locking surfaces, while simultaneously serving as a structural element that maintains the geometric relationship between pedestal components. This merging reduces the need for separate locking mechanisms and simplifies the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The spacer cross serves multiple purposes: it stabilizes the spacer position, prevents migration during dynamic movements, and maintains the structural integrity of the pedestal assembly. By making the spacer cross multi-functional, the design avoids adding separate components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If barbs are added to locking surfaces, then anti-migration security is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-migration securityVSAvoidspacer cross production
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The barbs are designed with specific geometric parameters (size, shape, and orientation) that optimize their locking capability while remaining compatible with standard manufacturing processes. By carefully selecting these parameters, the design achieves enhanced anti-migration security without requiring complex or specialized manufacturing techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 effectively prevents spacer migration, ensures even surface adjustment, and provides secure locking to maintain the height of the slabs, ensuring a stable and continuous surface even under dynamic conditions.

Implementation Method 1

the height adjustment of the supports coming into contact with the underside of the plate being effected via a thread pairing between the bearing base, intermediate piece and an internal thread of the cap-shaped support

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThread pairing: Screw

Implementation Method 2

the spacer has locking surfaces directed towards the base plate, at the ends of which at least one run-in bevel is formed with a laterally protruding barb, the barbs digging into the actuating extensions in the inserted state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical interlocking: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP2292870B1Slab spacer and return stop height adjustable stilt support for open joint slabs with slab spacer
Publication Date: 2015.09.23 ALWITRA GMBH & CO KLAUS GOBEL
  • EP2292870B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2292870B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2292870B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The return stop height adjustable stilt support has cross tiles (18) provided with locking surfaces (19) for base slab (1). An inlet slope (20) is formed with laterally protruded barbed hook (21) at the end of the locking surfaces. The barbed hook claws in operating extensions in the assigned condition.