Support foot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support feet for securing frame members on rooftops are often not compatible with various framework types and orientations, leading to inefficient load distribution and material usage, as they require more material to ensure strength and stiffness to handle heavy equipment loads.
Innovation Solution
A support foot design featuring a base portion, central portion with resiliently deformable members, and connecting members that allow for secure attachment of frame members in multiple orientations and orientations, while distributing loads evenly and reducing material usage through a lobed profile and drainage channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If existing support feet are designed with more material to ensure strength and stiffness, then the required levels of strength and stiffness to safely support heavy plant equipment are maintained, but the manufacturing cost and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support foot incorporates a lobed profile base with varying thickness - thicker at the edges for strength and stiffness, and thinner at the center for material reduction. This non-uniform thickness distribution optimizes material usage while maintaining required mechanical properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The base of the support foot features a lobed profile with curved contours rather than flat surfaces. This curved geometry enhances structural strength and stiffness while reducing material requirements compared to conventional flat-based support feet.
2Stability of the object's composition
If existing support feet use a thicker base to evenly distribute load, then the load distribution across the roof surface is improved, but the material usage and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lobed profile base creates localized thick regions at the edges for load distribution and thinner central regions for material reduction. This spatial variation in thickness achieves both load distribution and material efficiency.
3Reliability
If existing support feet are designed for specific framework orientations, then the connection to particular frame types is secure, but the adaptability to various framework types and orientations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The support foot features a universal slot configuration in its lobed profile base that can accommodate multiple framework types and orientations. The slot geometry and positioning enable secure connection of different frame profiles (e.g., square, rectangular, U-channel) in various orientations, making the support foot multi-functional and highly adaptable.
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 support foot securely attaches various frame types in multiple orientations, evenly distributes loads, and requires less material for manufacturing, enhancing stability and reducing the risk of mechanical failure.
Implementation Method 1
The core comprises at least one resiliently deformable member extending from a root at the first end to a free distal end in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and spaced from an inner surface of the central portion, whereby to form a gap into which the at least one resiliently deformable member can deform. The at least one resiliently deformable member is configured to deflect into the gap and away from an associated opposed surface.
Data Source
AI summary
A support foot for securing a frame member on a supporting surface, comprising a base portion having a base surface for resting on said supporting surface; a central portion connected to the base portion, and a core having opposed first and second ends and a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends and configured to receive a frame member. The core comprises at least one resiliently deformable member extending from a root at the first end to a free distal end in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and spaced from an inner surface of the central portion, whereby to form a gap into which the at least one resiliently deformable member can deform. The at least one resiliently deformable member is configured to deflect into the gap and away from an associated opposed surface. The at least one resiliently deformable member comprises a first surface configured to apply a first force to an outer surface of the frame member towards the associated opposed surface when the frame member is inserted into the core, and the at least one resiliently deformable member is configured to secure the frame member against said opposed surface when the frame member is inserted into the core.