Portable Case Leg Assembly With Active Bracing for Stable Lid Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage cases are unstable due to passive bracketing systems, lack of ancillary structural supports, and require multiple leg sets for varying lid sizes, which impairs their efficacy as a support structure and obstructs access to the interior cavity.
Innovation Solution
A leg assembly with an active bracketing system, cross-braces, and adjustable slots for cross members that securely attach to the case using a latching mechanism, allowing for stable support of lids of varying sizes and unobstructed access to the interior cavity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If passive bracketing system is used to attach legs to case, then manufacturing is simple, but stability of support structure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bracketing system transitions from a static passive design to a dynamic active system using cam-actuated latches. The latches can be engaged or disengaged to clamp the legs against the case walls, providing stability when needed while allowing easy removal when not in use. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and support structure stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the clamping force parameter from zero (passive) to a controllable positive value (active). The cam mechanism allows the user to adjust the clamping force by rotating the latch, thereby changing the parameter of leg retention force to achieve stable support while maintaining simple manufacturing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sets of legs are used for varying lid sizes, then adaptability to different case capacities is improved, but device complexity and inventory requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal set of legs is designed to work with multiple case capacities (small, medium, large) through adjustable attachment mechanisms. The legs can be positioned at different locations on the case walls and secured using the active latching system, allowing one leg set to perform the function of multiple specialized leg sets, thereby reducing inventory complexity while maintaining adaptability.
3Strength
If legs are secured to front sidewalls of base, then structural support is improved, but ease of access to interior cavity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into modular components: the legs remain structurally strong and attached to the case walls for support, while the latching mechanism is separated into removable components. This allows the legs to provide structural support when latched, but can be easily unlatched and removed to clear the path for accessing the interior cavity, thus resolving the contradiction between structural strength and ease of access.
4Stability of the object's composition
If wide legs are used for stable support, then stability of support structure is improved, but ease of access to interior cavity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The leg width and position are made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The legs can be positioned at optimal locations on the case walls and secured with active latches to provide stable support. When access to the interior cavity is needed, the legs can be quickly unlatched and removed, clearing the access path. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction between providing stable support with substantial legs and maintaining easy access to the interior.
Data Source
AI summary
A leg assembly for selective attachment to a portable support structure having a base and removable lid. The leg assembly includes a plurality of legs that are selectively attachable to both the base and lid. When attached, the legs extending from the base to the lid thereby supporting the lid. The legs are substantially parallel to one another. The assembly further includes at least one cross member extending between two of the legs to stabilize and prevent lateral movement of the legs. The cross member also abutingly contacts and supports the lid whereby the base and lid function as a support structure.