Telescoping Support Mast With Adjustable Base for Overhead Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of construction elements, such as light fixtures, in overhead locations poses risks of damage and injury due to unstable support structures, particularly when using electrical wires not designed for load-bearing, leading to potential disconnection and falling.
Innovation Solution
A telescoping apparatus with a modular base and extendable legs, cradle, and adjustable mast, providing stable support for overhead objects by increasing the footprint and critical angle, and featuring non-marring cradle arms and articulating joints for versatile installation on various surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electrical wires are used to suspend light fixtures, then installation is simplified, but the support structure becomes unstable and unsafe for load-bearing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a telescoping support apparatus as an intermediary device between the installer and the light fixture. This apparatus includes a base with adjustable legs that provide stable ground support, a telescoping mast that extends to overhead heights, and a cradle that securely holds the light fixture during installation, eliminating the need to rely on electrical wires for structural support
2Reliability
If the footprint of the support base is increased to prevent tipping, then stability improves, but the apparatus becomes harder to transport and store
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the support legs adjustable rather than fixed. The legs can be extended to increase the footprint and stabilize the apparatus during overhead installation, then retracted to minimize the footprint for easy transport and storage. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the same structure to optimize for both stability and portability depending on the operational phase
Solution Approach 2:
The support apparatus is segmented into modular components including an adjustable base with individual legs, a telescoping mast with multiple sections, and a separate cradle. This segmentation allows each component to be independently adjusted or collapsed, enabling the legs to be retracted parallel to the mast for compact storage while maintaining full functionality during use
3Adaptability or versatility
If the mast is made telescoping to adjust height, then adaptability to different installation heights improves, but the structural complexity and potential failure points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping mast is constructed using the nested doll principle, where multiple mast sections are nested within each other like Russian dolls. The inner sections slide within outer sections, allowing compact retraction while achieving extended heights when needed. This nested structure provides height adjustability while minimizing the retracted profile and reducing overall structural complexity compared to rigid alternative designs
Data Source
AI summary
A modularly reconfigurable apparatus for the use in the support, lifting, and/or installation of objects which are desired to be held overhead or in an elevated manner statically such as light fixtures, ceiling fans, wall cabinets, artwork, HVAC hardware, plumbing, and other objects which are commonly installed in an overhead location. The apparatus optionally provides a cradle for engagement with the object which requires support, optionally uses a telescoping mast, and optionally provides lateral stability through the use of support arms extending radially from the mast for engagement with existing structures.