Weight plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for stabilizing portable shelters and advertising stands, such as guy-line systems and weight-based solutions, either increase the footprint or reduce available space and are inconvenient to transport due to their high-profile and heavy nature.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile, planar weight plate with an aperture allows the base of a leg to pass through and lock underneath, providing stability while minimizing space occupation and facilitating easy transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If guy-line systems are used to stabilize the structure, then stability is improved, but the footprint of the structure increases and available space decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The weight plate transitions the stabilization approach from a two-dimensional guy-line system (extending outward horizontally) to a three-dimensional solution where weight is concentrated vertically around the leg base. The plate's aperture allows the leg to pass through while the plate itself wraps around the leg, creating a compact vertical stabilization zone that doesn't extend the horizontal footprint.
2Stability of the object's composition
If heavy weight devices are used to stabilize the structure, then stability is improved, but the profile height increases and available space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The weight plate utilizes a thin, flat plate structure that wraps around the leg base rather than using a bulky three-dimensional weight device. This plate configuration provides the necessary weight for stabilization while maintaining a minimal profile height that does not interfere with space utilization around the leg.
3Stability of the object's composition
If thick metal weights are placed over the base, then stability is improved, but the available space around the leg decreases and transportability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization device is segmented into a flat plate configuration rather than a solid block, allowing it to be thin and flexible enough for easy transport while still providing sufficient weight when deployed. The plate can be handled and positioned more easily than a comparable-weight thick metal block.
4Stability of the object's composition
If plastic containers filled with sand or water are used, then stability is improved, but the complexity of deployment increases and available space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the stabilization function from complex multi-component systems (containers plus fillable materials) and consolidates it into a single integrated weight plate. The plate provides both the containment structure and the stabilizing weight in one component, eliminating the need for separate sand or water filling operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A weight plate for securing portable structures employing a low-profile, planar plate having an aperture formed therethrough. The aperture is configured so as to allow the base of the leg of a structure to pass through. The plate is subsequently transposed so as to lock the base of the leg underneath the plate while the leg of the shelter passes through the plate and an opposite side of the plate extends away form the leg.