Fold Flat Support Assemblies with Integrated Latch Mechanisms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing support structure assemblies for articles and receptacles are complex, requiring multiple moving parts and separate components for latching and release, which complicates manufacturing and user operation.

Innovation Solution

Integration of the latch and outer case as a single unit within the support structure assembly, eliminating the need for a movable faceplate and separate latch components, allowing the entire unit to move in tandem for easy release and stowage, along with 360-degree rotating support shafts and repositionable uprights for versatile attachment options.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate latch components and movable faceplate are used, then the support structure assembly can be securely latched, but the assembly complexity increases and manufacturing becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelatching securityVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The latch block is integrated directly into the support shaft assembly, eliminating the need for separate latch components and movable faceplate. The latch block moves with the support shaft as a unified structure, securing the support leg to the base while reducing assembly complexity and manufacturing difficulty.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If multiple separate components are used for support structure assembly, then the support can be securely attached, but the number of moving parts increases and user operation becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoiduser operation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support shaft, latch block, and outer case are integrated into a unified structure that moves as a single unit. This eliminates the need for users to manipulate multiple separate components, reducing operational complexity while maintaining secure attachment through the integrated latch mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the support structure assembly uses traditional latching mechanisms, then the support can be securely held, but the stowage space required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport securityVSAvoidstowage space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The support shaft assembly with integrated latch block nests within the outer case when retracted. The latch block is positioned within the support shaft assembly, and the entire mechanism folds compactly into the base structure, minimizing stowage space while maintaining secure support when deployed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS9193368B2Fold flat article support assemblies with simplified release latches and stowable service shelves

Publication Date: 2015.11.24 SHAPIRO RICHARD N

AI summary

This application discloses folding, compact support structure assemblies for supporting an article or receptacle including a simplified latch and a support assembly case that move together in tandem as an integrated unit in order to effect release of the support structure assemblies from their operative position, facilitating movement of the entire support assembly and shaft to a compact position inside the profile of the supporting article. The support structure shafts may attach skis, sleds, or wheels. A plurality of equipment engaging removable uprights stow horizontally in slots along the inside walls and a service shelf also conveniently stows flat along the underside or top of the article.