Structural Support Apparatus Height Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for constructing pole buildings are cumbersome and costly due to the need for accurate height adjustment of poles, which is time-consuming and difficult, especially when using pre-cast concrete poles that are prone to rot and decay when exposed to soil or stabilizing materials.
Innovation Solution
A structural support apparatus with a height adjustment system that includes straps, a bar, lift assist components, and stabilizing projections, allowing for easy adjustment of pole height without repeatedly removing or adding material, using materials resistant to deterioration such as steel or other suitable materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pre-cast concrete poles are used to avoid rot and decay, then durability is improved, but weight and handling difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support apparatus is divided into multiple components: a base portion with stabilizing projections, a column rest, and adjustable height adjustment components. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently - the base can be heavy for stability while the column and upper portions remain lighter and more manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus introduces intermediate components (base portion, column rest, height adjustment system) between the ground and the structural column. These intermediaries distribute the load and provide adjustment capabilities without requiring the entire column to be a single heavy pre-cast concrete piece.
2Stability of the object's composition
If poles are buried to predetermined depth for stability, then lateral stability is improved, but installation time and complexity increase due to repeated height adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The height adjustment system allows the support apparatus to be dynamically adjusted after installation. The column rest can be raised or lowered relative to the base portion using the height adjustment components, enabling precise height control without repeated installation/removal cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The base portion with stabilizing projections is installed first and secured in the excavated hole. This preliminary action establishes a stable foundation that remains fixed while subsequent height adjustments are made to the column rest and column assembly, separating the stabilization step from the height adjustment step.
3Manufacturing precision
If height adjustment is done by repeatedly inserting and removing poles with material additions, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The height adjustment system provides a dynamic mechanism for changing the height of the column rest relative to the base. This allows precise height adjustments to be made quickly by moving the column rest along the adjustment components, rather than requiring repeated installation and removal of the entire pole with material additions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of installing a support member includes disposing a ground plate of a support member on a ground surface. The support member includes a lift assist component that engages with a bar connected to the ground plate. The method further includes adjusting a height of upper ends of the support member by actuating the lift assist component such that the upper ends of the support member are elevated or lowered.