Support device for countertops
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
During kitchen renovation or repair, existing support solutions for counters and sinks are unreliable, unadjustable, and unsightly, often leading to functional disruptions, additional expenses, and safety hazards, as they cannot accommodate varying heights and tend to slip, causing damage or injury.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible and foldable support device with telescoping arms and a hinged mechanism that allows for adjustable height settings, ensuring stability and ease of use, featuring a top supporting member and a base with hollow spaces for easy folding and storage, compatible with various counter heights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If 2 inch by 4 inch lumber is used to support kitchen counters, then the support device is simple and inexpensive, but it is unreliable and tends to slip
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is divided into multiple components: a base member, a telescoping arm with adjustable segments, and a top member. This segmentation allows each part to perform a specific function (stability, height adjustment, counter support) while collectively providing a reliable support system that prevents slipping.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping arm incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities, allowing the support height to be modified based on different counter heights. This dynamic feature ensures optimal contact and support stability, preventing the slipping issue associated with fixed-length lumber supports.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-length lumber supports are used, then the device is simple to manufacture, but it cannot accommodate counters of different heights
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping arm provides dynamic height adjustment capability, enabling the support device to adapt to various counter heights. The adjustable mechanism allows professionals to customize the support height while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process using standard telescoping components.
Solution Approach 2:
The support device incorporates parameter changes through its telescoping mechanism, which allows the height parameter to be adjusted within a range. This enables the same device to accommodate different counter heights without requiring multiple fixed-length supports.
3Shape
If traditional lumber supports are used, then the material is inexpensive, but the appearance is untidy and unprofessional
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is segmented into distinct components (base member, telescoping arm, top member) with clean lines and professional finishes. This segmentation allows for a more refined appearance compared to rough lumber, while each component remains relatively simple to manufacture using standard materials and processes.
4Adaptability or versatility
If non-adjustable supports are used, then the device is simple in structure, but it cannot support counters of varying heights
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping arm introduces dynamic adjustability to the support structure, allowing height modification to accommodate varying counter heights. This dynamic feature adds some structural complexity but maintains reasonable simplicity through the use of standard telescoping mechanisms and minimal components.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a ‘prop up’ or support device for supporting counters or sinks during renovation, restoration, mitigation, or other similar situations. More specifically, the prop up device is a rectilinear shaped telescoping device having telescoping arms that can extend to different heights to support kitchen counters, bars, or sinks of different heights, and ensures the kitchen remains functional during repairs, renovations, or the like. The prop up device enables the telescoping arms to easily collapse, fold, and store when the support device is in the storage orientation (i.e. not in use).