Articulated support bracket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional collapsible tables and benches lack a reliable locking mechanism that automatically secures the support bracket in the extended position during use and unlocks it for folding, leading to potential collapse issues.
Innovation Solution
An articulated support bracket with a locking mechanism that includes a second arm with a diverging edge, allowing the locking ring to automatically engage and disengage based on the table's position, ensuring secure extension during use and easy folding when inverted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to the support bracket, then the reliability of preventing table collapse is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism automatically engages and disengages based on the bracket's position without requiring manual operation. The locking ring self-activates when the bracket extends to the use position and self-retracts when the bracket folds, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static fixed-position design to a dynamic automatic engagement system. The locking ring moves between engaged and disengaged states based on the bracket's extension position, allowing the system to adapt its locking state according to operational conditions.
2Ease of operation
If the locking mechanism is made automatic, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is integrated into the articulated bracket structure itself, combining the support function and locking function into a single unified component. The locking ring is part of the bracket assembly rather than a separate independent mechanism, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining automatic operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket's own movement during extension and folding automatically triggers the locking and unlocking actions. The mechanical motion of the bracket directly actuates the locking ring through the diverging edge geometry, eliminating the need for separate actuators, sensors, or control systems.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the locking ring is positioned far from the table top, then the stability is improved, but the ease of folding decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring's position is dynamic rather than fixed. During the folding operation, the locking ring automatically retracts from its extended position to allow the bracket to fold, then re-engages when the bracket reaches the use position. This dynamic positioning resolves the conflict between stability during use and ease of folding.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking ring automatically adjusts its position based on the bracket's state. When folding is initiated, the mechanical action naturally causes the locking ring to disengage and move toward the hinge, allowing easy folding without manual intervention. The system self-regulates the locking ring position according to operational needs.
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
The articulated bracket securely locks the support structure in the extended position and automatically unlocks for folding, enhancing stability and usability by leveraging gravity and the shape of the second arm's edge for self-locking and self-unlocking functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the force of the legs on the ground will cause the bracket to be fully extended and the locking ring will automatically slide down the first arm to a locking engagement with the locking portion of the second arm
Implementation Method 2
when the table or bench is turned upside down so that the tabletop or benchtop is lying on the ground, the locking ring will automatically slide down the first arm from the locking position
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2
Figure 3A~5
AI summary
An articulated support bracket for a table and a table containing the support bracket. The support bracket includes a first arm having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being rotationally attached to a frame of a table or bench; a second arm having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being rotationally attached to a leg of the table and the distal end being rotationally attached to the distal end of the first arm; and a locking ring slidably disposed on the first arm between the proximal end and the distal end of the first arm for engaging a locking portion of the second arm when the locking ring is in a locking position. The locking portion has a first edge that increasingly diverges from a second edge when moving from the distal end toward the proximal end of the second arm.