Distributing weight of four legs evenly over surface

  • Thread starter Thread starter Tan88
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Surface Weight
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the challenge of distributing the weight of a stepper exercise machine with four legs on a canvas shelf to prevent tearing. A definitive solution is to place a thin metal plate, specifically 1/8th inch thick aluminum, under the machine's legs to evenly distribute the weight across the canvas. Additionally, increasing the thickness of the canvas can provide extra support. Concerns are raised about the cyclical loading of the machine potentially damaging the canvas over time.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of weight distribution principles
  • Knowledge of materials, specifically aluminum and canvas
  • Familiarity with exercise equipment and its structural requirements
  • Basic mechanical engineering concepts related to load-bearing surfaces
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of aluminum for weight distribution applications
  • Investigate techniques for reinforcing canvas materials
  • Explore alternative storage solutions for exercise machines
  • Learn about the effects of cyclical loading on various materials
USEFUL FOR

Individuals looking to safely store exercise equipment, furniture designers, and anyone interested in optimizing weight distribution on flexible surfaces.

Tan88
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
I have a stepper exercise machine that stands on four legs and I would like to place this machine on a shelf made of canvas cloth ( the whole wardrobe is made of canvas ). The problem is I think the shelf would tear where the four legs are. So I would like to ask if there is any way I could distribute the weight of the four legs evenly over the whole floor of the canvas shelf?
Thanks.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
No.
 
Just put a plate of thin metal, say 1/8th inch thick aluminum the size of the whole machine and put it under the legs. That should spread out the force enough to not rip the canvas. Also think about doubling up the thickness of the canvas.

Why do you want to do such a thing anyway? Is this a size constriction of the machine taking up too much floor space?
 
Tan88 said:
I have a stepper exercise machine that stands on four legs and I would like to place this machine on a shelf made of canvas cloth ( the whole wardrobe is made of canvas ). The problem is I think the shelf would tear where the four legs are. So I would like to ask if there is any way I could distribute the weight of the four legs evenly over the whole floor of the canvas shelf?
Thanks.
Sounds a bit dangerous. The cyclical loading of the stepper would seem like it would wear out the canvas no matter what...
 
The canvas shelf is just for storage, right? Am I correct in assuming you will take the machine off the shelf and put it on a solid floor for use.
 

Similar threads

High School Distributing weight of four legs evenly over surface
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
High School 4 pounds over the weight limit of a tv stand
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K
Undergrad Will putting a wood shelf on a TV stand distribute the TV's weight?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
How is an object's weight distributed among the fours legs of a table?
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
8K
High School How much lower would a sheep be expected to jump if on a steep upward slope?
  • · Replies 33 ·
2
Replies
33
Views
657
Will my fish tank stand hold the weight?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K
Can You Hang a Table Level Using Ropes at Each Corner?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Woodworking: How I Built My Own End Tables from Scratch
  • · Replies 42 ·
2
Replies
42
Views
7K
Undergrad Calculating actual weight lifted on a pulley weight machine
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
18K
Freeboard calculations for pontoon with additional weight
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K