Underfloor Installation Component Height Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underfloor installation components, such as device boxes, require complex and labor-intensive height adjustments due to varying screed heights, often necessitating long leveling screws that need to be cut and intricate thread mechanisms for quick height adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A flexible traction device connected to an adjustable threaded segment, allowing for manual operation to disengage and reengage the thread segment, facilitated by a Bowden cable or similar mechanism, with restoring means to reset the segment to its initial position, enabling efficient height adjustment and decoupling from leveling screws post-screed hardening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If long leveling screws are used to accommodate varying screed heights, then the adaptability to different heights is improved, but the device complexity and installation time increase due to cutting and adjusting operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the threaded segment movable relative to the guide element. The threaded segment can be shifted between a retracted position (for short heights) and an extended position (for long heights), allowing the leveling screw to adapt dynamically to different screed heights without requiring multiple fixed-length screws or cutting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the leveling screw into distinct functional segments: a fixed guide element, a movable threaded segment, and a connection element. This segmentation allows the threaded segment to be independently positioned to provide the required thread engagement length for different installation heights.
2Ease of operation
If a shaft-shaped handle with bevel adjustment is used for quick height adjustment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the intricate thread mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating the threaded segment on a fixed axis (traditional approach), the patent inverts the approach by translating the threaded segment along the longitudinal axis of the leveling screw. This is achieved by moving the connection element, which carries the threaded segment, in the longitudinal direction, thereby changing the engagement length in a simpler linear motion rather than complex rotational adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a connection element as an intermediary component that carries the threaded segment and enables its movement relative to the guide element. This connection element simplifies the adjustment mechanism by providing a direct mechanical link that can be moved linearly to adjust the threaded segment's position, avoiding the need for complex rotational bevel mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the thread segment is disengaged for height adjustment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of the connection is temporarily reduced during adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the thread engagement state changeable. The threaded segment can be dynamically positioned to engage with the leveling screw thread for stable connection during leveling, and disengaged or repositioned when height adjustment is needed. This dynamic control allows the system to switch between stable engagement and adjustable disengagement states as required.
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
Simplifies the handling and setup of underfloor installation components by allowing quick and precise height adjustments with minimal force, enabling simultaneous adjustment of multiple thread segments and decoupling to compensate for screed shrinkage, thus reducing installation complexity and time.
Implementation Method 1
A flexible traction device connected to an adjustable threaded segment, allowing for manual operation to disengage and reengage the thread segment, facilitated by a Bowden cable or similar mechanism
Implementation Method 2
leveling screws each supporting the frame (1) on a floor panel (2) before it is installed in a floor to be created, in particular by casting, the leveling screws (4, 4.1) each meshing with their thread a complementary thread of a leveling screw guide (5, 5.1) of the frame (1)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The invention relates to an underfloor installation component with a frame 2, 2.1, 3 which, prior to its installation in a floor (in particular to be created by casting), is supported on the floor side by leveling screws 4, 4.1, the leveling screws 4, 4.1 each mesh with a complementary thread of a leveling screw guide 5, 5.1 of the frame, the leveling screw guide 5, 5.1 having a threaded segment 7, 7.1 adjustable relative to at least one further guide element, wherein a flexible tension element 8 is connected to the adjustable threaded segment 7, 7.1 and to this in turn a manually operable actuating element 9 is connected, with which a pull can be exerted on the tension element 8 to adjust the threaded segment 7, 7.1 from a starting position, e.g. its thread-engaging position, to a second position, e.g. its release position, and that a return element 21 is provided for resetting the threaded segment 7, 7.1.1 are provided for in its starting position when the actuating element 9 is no longer actuated.