Collapsible Work Platform Handle and Feet for Compact Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work platforms lack handholds, side railings, or similar supports, which add bulk, complexity, and cost, while feet for platforms increase size and complexity during storage and shipping.
Innovation Solution
A handle or handlebar is coupled to the bench and movable between a storage and deployed position, and feet are configurable into folded configurations to reduce overall volume, with biasing members for easy transition between states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If handle solutions are added to the platform, then user support and stability are improved, but weight, cost, and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is designed to be rotatable between a deployed position (extending upward from the top surface) and a storage position (substantially entirely positioned between the top and bottom surfaces). This dynamic configuration allows the handle to provide user support when needed while minimizing bulk and complexity during storage, directly resolving the technical contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
2Reliability
If feet are attached to legs or rails, then traction and stability are improved, but platform size increases even in folded storage position
Solution Approach 1:
The feet are designed to be collapsible, allowing them to be folded against the legs or rails during storage. This dynamic configuration enables the feet to provide traction and stability when deployed while minimizing the platform's overall volume during storage and transport, directly resolving the technical contradiction between reliability and volume.
3Reliability
If railings or handles are included, then user safety and support are improved, but the platform becomes difficult to store and move
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is configured to rotate between a deployed position that provides user safety and support and a storage position where it is substantially entirely positioned between the top and bottom surfaces of the bench. This dynamic design allows the platform to maintain safety features when in use while becoming compact and easy to store or transport when the handle is rotated to its storage position, directly resolving the technical contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A platform assembly is provided with at least one foldable and deployable handle. The handle can be operated to a storage position lying between upper and lower surfaces of the upper platform of the assembly. When deployed, the handle can provide a handhold, top cap, and other features to users who are on the upper platform or who are climbing onto the upper platform. Leg assemblies of the platform can be operable between folded and deployed states, and feet of the leg assemblies can be deployed to widen the stance of the platform or folded to reduce the overall width and volumetric envelope within which the platform resides.