Telescoping Support Prop With Pivot Lock for Solo Cabinet Installation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Construction tradesmen often face challenges in safely installing heavy and bulky objects, such as cabinets, due to the lack of adequate support tools, particularly when working alone, as existing props and supports are either ineffective or costly to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable prop device with a telescoping extension pole and pivot attachment mechanism that utilizes the weight of the object to stabilize itself, allowing for customizable support and enhanced safety during installation, even in space-constrained environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single person performs cabinet installation, then labor cost is reduced, but safety and installation reliability deteriorate due to lack of assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The prop device is designed to be self-stabilizing, using the weight of the cabinet itself to lock the support position. The weighted base and pivot mechanism automatically adjust and secure the cabinet without requiring a second person to operate or stabilize the prop, enabling safe single-person installation
Solution Approach 2:
The prop device acts as an intermediary tool between the installer and the cabinet, providing mechanical support and stabilization. It mediates the installation process by bearing the cabinet weight and maintaining position, allowing one person to safely perform tasks that would otherwise require two people
2Ease of manufacture
If heavy cabinets are supported without proper props, then equipment cost is reduced, but risk of damage and injury increases
Solution Approach 1:
The prop device uses a simple, inexpensive design with a weighted base and telescoping pole that can be manufactured at low cost. While not permanently durable like fixed installations, it provides sufficient support during the critical installation phase and can be reused multiple times for different cabinets, offering an economical safety solution
Solution Approach 2:
The prop device provides preventive support before cabinet installation is complete, cushioning against potential falls. The weighted base and locking mechanism are designed to fail-safe, ensuring the cabinet remains supported even if the installer loses balance or makes an error
3Device complexity
If fixed-length props are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different installation heights deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The prop device incorporates a telescoping pole with adjustable length, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one. The pole can be extended or retracted to match different cabinet heights and installation requirements, while the weighted base remains fixed to provide stable support at any height configuration
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 adjustable prop device provides a cost-effective and safe means to support heavy objects, ensuring secure installation and minimizing the risk of damage or injury by leveraging the object's weight to create a stable support structure, suitable for various installation scenarios including cabinets and overhanging countertops.
Implementation Method 1
a pivot attachment mechanism at the second end of the support bar that utilizes the weight of the object to stabilize the prop device
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable support prop that can be customized to the support requirements of a wide variety of objects to be held in place. The prop includes first, second and third support members which are coupled together in a manner that allows the weight of an object to be supported in order to provide stability to the prop. The length of one of the support members is adjustable so that the height of the prop can be customized to the support requirements of the object to be supported.