Collapsible Stand With Gravity-Assisted Unfolding Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rolling support stands for heavy objects, such as portable table saws, require significant user effort to set up and break down, and can be dangerous due to rapid unfolding mechanisms when unloaded, posing a risk of injury.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible folding stand with a folding mechanism that uses the weight of the object to assist in unfolding and features a locking mechanism and tension spring to minimize user effort and prevent accidental unfolding, allowing the stand to be easily rolled and set up without heavy lifting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spring biasing mechanism is used to automatically unfold the stand, then the user effort is reduced, but the stand becomes dangerous when unloaded as it can unfold very rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism prevents the stand from unfolding before the saw is properly positioned on it. The mechanism includes a locking bar that engages with a locking surface on the leg, creating a preliminary constraint that eliminates the dangerous rapid unfolding effect while still allowing automatic unfolding assistance from the spring mechanism once locked.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring biasing mechanism acts as an intermediary that provides controlled unfolding force. The spring is positioned to assist the leg movement from folded to unfolded position, but its force is moderated by the locking mechanism that controls when and how the unfolding occurs, preventing dangerous rapid movement.
2Strength
If the stand is designed to support heavy objects like table saws, then it can handle the weight, but the user must lift substantial portions of the weight which is inconvenient and dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The stand design allows the heavy saw to remain in a fixed position on the top frame while the legs unfold and lock into place beneath it. This eliminates the need for the user to lift the heavy saw, as the unfolding mechanism operates independently beneath the stationary saw, placing the user and saw at equipotential positions throughout the operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The stand is segmented into the top frame that holds the saw and the separate legs that unfold independently. This segmentation allows the heavy saw to remain stationary on the top frame while the lighter legs perform the unfolding and locking action, separating the weight-bearing function from the movement function.
3Reliability
If the stand uses a locking mechanism to prevent accidental unfolding, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the leg position. As the leg unfolds, the locking bar automatically engages with the locking surface to prevent over-unfolding or accidental collapse. When the leg is pushed back to the folded position, the locking bar automatically disengages. This self-service operation eliminates the need for manual locking/unlocking controls, maintaining safety without adding operational complexity.
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 stand can be efficiently moved between open and closed positions with minimal user effort, reducing the risk of injury from rapid unfolding and eliminating the need for heavy lifting, ensuring safe and convenient handling of heavy tools.
Implementation Method 1
A tension spring may be attached between frame members which is placed in tension only when the stand is in its open position with the force of the spring further aiding movement of the stand to its closed position.
Implementation Method 2
the center of gravity of the object being positioned between the wheels and the front ground contact points so that the weight of the object tends to separate the same and bring the top frame as well as the object into a generally horizontal position
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible folding stand for use with a portable table saw or other object that is attached to the stand and is capable of being manipulated between open and closed positions. In the closed position, the stand is generally vertically oriented with the object attached to a top frame. To open the stand a locking mechanism is released which enables a folding mechanism supporting the top frame to unfold in a manner whereby the rear legs having wheels that separate from forward side struts which contact the ground, with the center of gravity of the object being positioned between the wheels and the front ground contact points so that the weight of the object tends to separate the same and bring the top frame into a generally horizontal position. To move the rolling stand to its closed position, the user needs only to lift the handle and the top frame will then move to its generally vertical closed position.