Tapered Locking Platform Support for Fast Stable Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable stages and platforms face challenges in being easily assembled and disassembled without technical skill, are prone to misalignment, require many pieces, and lack stability and replaceable parts, especially when subjected to lateral forces and vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A portable support system with tapered ends and a receiving member featuring a support cone with tapered inner and outer surfaces, allowing for easy engagement and disengagement, and a latching feature for selective locking, enabling assembly and disassembly by hand without tools and minimizing misalignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional locking mechanisms are used to assemble portable structures, then the structures can be assembled and disassembled, but the process requires tools, is difficult to assemble, and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical locking mechanisms requiring tools with a tapered friction-fit system that uses hand pressure alone. The tapered portion of the support member inserts into the tapered cavity of the receiving member, creating a self-centering, tool-free assembly process that eliminates the need for wrenches or screwdrivers while significantly reducing assembly time.
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered geometry of the support member and receiving member creates a self-aligning, self-centering assembly system. As the tapered support is inserted into the tapered cavity, the geometry automatically guides proper alignment and positioning without requiring external alignment tools or technical skill, making the assembly process intuitive and self-service.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional locking mechanisms are used, then connections can be made, but they are subject to misalignment and cause instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric tapered geometry where the support member has a tapered portion that matches the tapered cavity of the receiving member. This asymmetric design provides a single correct orientation for assembly, eliminating misalignment issues. The taper angle and geometry are specifically designed to guide the support into proper alignment automatically, ensuring structural stability without requiring high manufacturing precision.
3Force
If perpendicular members are used extending from the platform, then the structure can be assembled, but it is cumbersome and subject to lateral forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from rigid perpendicular members to a dynamic tapered friction-fit connection system. The tapered geometry allows for slight adjustments and self-centering during assembly, while the friction between the tapered surfaces provides dynamic resistance to lateral forces. This dynamic system is less complex than traditional perpendicular member assemblies with multiple connection points and alignment requirements.
4Ease of repair
If traditional supports require multiple pieces and tools, then connections can be made, but parts are not easily replaceable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the support system into modular, separable components: a support member with a tapered portion and a receiving member with a tapered cavity. This segmentation allows individual parts to be easily replaced without affecting other components. The simple two-part connection system reduces the total number of parts compared to traditional multi-component locking mechanisms, while maintaining ease of replacement through the tool-free insert/remove design.
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 system allows for quick and error-free assembly and disassembly, provides stability against lateral forces, requires fewer parts, and can be adjusted and locked in place easily, reducing transportation and storage space.
Implementation Method 1
The inner surface and outer surface are engagable with mating tapered surfaces
Implementation Method 2
The support cone has a tapered inner surface and a tapered outer surface. The inner surface and outer surface are engagable with mating tapered surfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable support system having a portable support having a first end and a second end. The first end includes a tapered portion, and the second end includes a footing structure. The system also includes a receiving member having a support cone configured to receive the tapered portion. The support cone has a tapered inner surface and a tapered outer surface. The inner surface and outer surface are engagable with mating tapered surfaces. The receiving member is capable of attachment to one or both of a frame and a panel for use as a platform.