Single-Handed Adjustable Stand with Rack Tooth Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable stands are complicated to operate and require both hands to adjust and lock positions, leading to instability during tasks.
Innovation Solution
A single-handed adjustable stand design featuring a stand base, rotatably coupled cradle, and arm with a handle and rack tooth mechanisms that allow for one-handed adjustment and locking of the stand cradle to various angles using a locking-sliding mechanism and rotational direction transfer mechanism, ensuring stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional adjustable stand mechanisms are used, then the stand can be adjusted to different positions, but both hands are required to operate and multiple steps are needed to lock the position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the adjustment function and locking function into a single integrated mechanism. The rack tooth mechanism with locking-sliding mechanism allows one-handed operation where a single handle controls both position adjustment and position locking, eliminating the need for separate adjustment and locking operations that would require multiple hands and steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The stand mechanism automatically locks itself at selected positions through the rack tooth engagement system. When the handle is released after adjustment, the locking-sliding mechanism automatically engages the rack teeth to secure the cradle at the desired angle, eliminating the need for separate manual locking actions.
2Reliability
If traditional adjustable stand mechanisms are used, then position adjustment is possible, but the position may not be locked securely causing movement during use
Solution Approach 1:
The rack tooth mechanism is pre-configured with multiple engagement positions corresponding to different cradle angles. As the user adjusts the cradle, the rack teeth automatically align with and engage at predetermined positions, ensuring secure locking before the user releases the handle. This preliminary engagement ensures reliability without requiring additional locking steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack tooth mechanism acts as an intermediary between the adjustable cradle and the fixed base. It provides a mechanical interface that translates rotational movement into discrete locked positions, ensuring stable positioning while maintaining ease of adjustment through the handle mechanism.
3Measurement precision
If multiple parts need to be disengaged for adjustment, then precise positioning can be achieved, but the operation becomes complicated requiring multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is segmented into discrete rack tooth engagement positions, each corresponding to a specific cradle angle. This segmentation allows for precise positioning at predetermined angles while maintaining simple operation, as the user only needs to rotate the handle to the desired position rather than manipulating multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism allows for continuous rotational movement of the handle, which continuously engages the rack teeth at appropriate positions throughout the range of motion. This eliminates the need to stop and disengage multiple parts at separate steps, allowing the user to adjust the cradle to any desired angle in a single continuous action.
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
Enables single-handed operation and secure locking of the stand cradle at selected angles, enhancing usability and stability during tasks, allowing the stand to maintain position without movement.
Implementation Method 1
each rotational direction transfer mechanism may transfer rotations of the handle in a first plane to rotations of the respective locking-sliding mechanism in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane
Implementation Method 2
When the handle is released, the coil spring may cause the handle to rotate back to the retention position
Implementation Method 3
each rack tooth mechanism may include a locking-sliding mechanism having a set of teeth, each locking-sliding mechanism may be rotatably coupled to a respective one of two ends of the handle
Data Source
AI summary
A disclosed adjustable stand may include a stand base, a stand cradle rotatably coupled to the stand base, and a handle rotatably coupled to the stand cradle. The adjustable stand, when the handle is rotated to an adjustment position and the stand cradle is rotated to a rotational position with respect to the stand base, may set an angle of the stand cradle with respect to the stand base to a selected angle. The adjustable stand, when the handle is rotated to a retention position, may lock the angle of the stand cradle to the selected angle.