Height-Adjustable Toy Crane Support Foot With Segmented Thread

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing height-adjustable support devices for toy cranes require complex and time-consuming screwing mechanisms, which lack precision and patience from children, making quick and easy height adjustments difficult.

Innovation Solution

A support device with a spindle insert featuring a first and second threaded section and a thread-free displacement section allows for three-stage height adjustment, enabling precise and quick movement between retracted and extended positions without continuous threading, ensuring secure holding in the retracted position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a continuous spindle insert thread is used for height adjustment, then the support foot can be adjusted in height, but the screwing in and out process becomes long and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheight adjustment operationVSAvoidtime for screwing in and out
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The continuous thread is divided into discrete first and second threaded sections separated by a thread-free displacement section. This segmentation allows the support foot to be quickly displaced along the thread-free section without continuous screwing, while still providing threaded engagement points for secure positioning at retracted and extended positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If a continuous spindle insert thread is used, then height adjustment is possible, but the process lacks precision and requires patience

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheight adjustment precisionVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the thread into distinct first and second threaded sections with a thread-free displacement section in between, the design provides precise threaded engagement for positioning while allowing quick displacement along the thread-free section, combining precision with operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The thread-free displacement section acts as an intermediary element that allows quick movement between threaded sections without requiring continuous screwing. This intermediary section enables the support foot to be rapidly positioned between retracted and extended positions while maintaining precise threaded engagement at the endpoints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If a single continuous thread is used, then the structure is simple, but the number of parts increases and production becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespindle insert structureVSAvoidproduction simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The spindle insert is segmented into distinct functional zones: a first threaded section for retracted position engagement, a thread-free displacement section for quick movement, and a second threaded section for extended position engagement. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing by allowing each section to be optimized independently while reducing the overall number of separate parts needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Facilitates simple, quick, and precise height adjustments, reducing the need for complex screwing, enhancing user experience by allowing easy and secure positioning of the support foot, while reducing the number of parts and production complexity.

Implementation Method 1

The spindle insert thread according to the invention comprises a first threaded section for arranging the support foot on the spindle insert in a retracted position and a second threaded section arranged at a distance from the first threaded section for arranging the support foot on the spindle insert in an extended position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

To move the support foot from the extended position to the retracted position or vice versa, the support foot must be moved quickly and easily along the thread-free displacement section

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2353682B1Height-adjustable support device for a toy crane
Publication Date: 2013.06.05 BRUDER SPIELWAREN GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2353682B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2353682B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2353682B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The device (7) has a stand base (11) with a stand base thread for supporting at a base. A spindle insert (12) is provided for adjusting height of the stand base. The spindle insert has a spindle insert thread that corresponds to the stand base thread. Thread sections arrange the stand base at the spindle insert in a retracted position and an extended position, respectively. The spindle insert has a thread free moving section arranged between the threaded sections for moving the stand base between the retracted position and the extended position.