Telescopic Support Column With Hydraulic Elevation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temporary support columns are inadequate for raising or lowering building portions during renovations, as they lack the capability to maintain the structure's level and orientation during elevation changes, and are not easily retractable for transport to new sites.
Innovation Solution
A telescopically extendable support column apparatus with a base column, intermediate and top extension columns, hydraulic cylinders, and a hydraulic control system, allowing for precise and controlled extension and retraction while maintaining structural stability and level orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If simple extendable columns with threaded extensions are used, then the columns can be easily erected and extended to support a structure, but they cannot raise or lower the supported building portion and are limited in extension capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies hydraulic principles by using a hydraulic cylinder and piston system to enable the extension and retraction of the support column. The hydraulic fluid admitted into or discharged from the cylinder moves the piston, which in turn extends or retracts the extension column assembly, allowing the column to raise or lower the supported building portion while maintaining ease of operation through fluid-powered actuation
2Adaptability or versatility
If the elevation of the supported building portion is changed using conventional columns, then the building can be raised or lowered, but the supported portion cannot be maintained level or at its predetermined orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the support column length adjustable through telescopic extension and retraction. The extension column assembly can be extended or retracted relative to the base column to change the elevation of the supported building portion while maintaining stability. The hydraulic system provides controlled, coordinated movement to preserve the level orientation during elevation changes
3Strength
If non-retractable support columns are used, then the columns can support the building portion, but they cannot be easily transported to new sites for reuse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by designing the extension column assembly to be telescopically received within the base column. When retracted, the extension column assembly fits inside the base column, significantly reducing the overall length and enabling easy transport to new sites. The nested configuration maintains full support capability when extended while providing compact storage when retracted
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
Enables the safe and controlled raising or lowering of building portions without altering their plane, and allows for easy retraction and transport of the support columns for reuse at different construction sites.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic cylinder, and piston, within the columns, operable to extend the extension column assembly, a hydraulic connection, whereby hydraulic fluid may be either admitted into or discharged from said cylinder for moving said extension column assembly relative to said base column
Data Source
AI summary
A support column apparatus for supporting and moving a portion of a building, and having a base column of square tubular cross section, a top extension column of square tubular cross section sliding within the base column, an hydraulic cylinder within the base column, a piston and a piston rod extendable into the said top extension column, and, a hydraulic connection to supply hydraulic fluid to the cylinder.