Fold-Out Tool Support With Locking and Magnetic Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tools with supporting functions, such as soldering irons, have fixed protruding supports that are not compact and lack aesthetic appeal, and do not provide convenient storage or expanded applicability.
Innovation Solution
A tool with a support that can be outwardly rotated and stored, featuring a magnetic attraction structure for attachment to metal objects, and includes a locking mechanism for secure positioning and a pivotal connection mechanism for easy rotation and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed protruding support is used to provide stable supporting effect, then the supporting stability is improved, but the device complexity increases and the appearance is deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The support is transformed from a fixed static structure to a dynamic movable structure that can rotate between a supporting position and a stored position. The pivotal connection mechanism enables this dynamic transformation, allowing the support to be deployed when needed and retracted when not in use, thus providing stability only when required while maintaining a compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The support is designed to be nested within the main body when not in use. The support rotates inward to be stored inside the accommodation space formed in the main body, creating a compact nested configuration that reduces overall device complexity and improves appearance while maintaining the ability to provide stable support when deployed.
2Ease of operation
If a fixed protruding support is used, then the supporting function is provided, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to store the support
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates rotational movement capability through a pivotal connection, transforming it from a permanently extended component to a dynamically adjustable component. This allows the support to be easily deployed and stored as needed, significantly improving ease of operation while the integration into the main body keeps the overall structure manageable.
3Volume of moving object
If the support is made movable and rotatable, then the ease of operation and compactness are improved, but the reliability of the supporting function deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage when the support rotates to the supporting position, ensuring the support is securely locked before bearing any load. This preliminary locking action prevents accidental movement or collapse during use, maintaining reliability despite the movable nature of the support.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotal connection mechanism provides controlled rotational movement with defined positions (stored and supporting), creating a dynamic structure that maintains stability when deployed while achieving compactness when stored. The mechanism ensures reliable positioning at each state through mechanical constraints and locking features.
4Ease of operation
If a movable support with locking mechanism is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support system integrates multiple dynamic functions (rotation, locking, storing) into a single coordinated mechanism. The pivotal connection enables rotation, the locking mechanism secures the position, and the overall design allows compact storage, combining these functions to improve ease of operation while managing structural complexity through integration.
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
Provides a compact, visually appealing design with convenient operation and expanded applicability by allowing the support to be rotated outward for use and inward for storage, and magnetically attached to metal objects.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic attraction structure is additionally disposed on the support, so that when the tool is not in the operating state and the support is yet to be outwardly rotated, the tool can be directly attached to the magnetic conduction object, for example an iron-containing object, for being fastened
Data Source
AI summary
A tool with a supporting function includes a main body and a support; an accommodation space having a front seat and a rear seat disposed at two ends thereof and allowing the support to be accommodated is formed on the main body, a push bottom is sheathed with the rear seat to be operated to slide on the rear seat between a first position and a second position, a locking mechanism for locking or unlocking the support is disposed between the support and one end of the support, a pivotal connection mechanism is disposed between a pair of support arms at another end of the support and the front seat, the support can be outwardly rotated from the accommodation space with the pivotal connection mechanism served as a pivot for supporting the tool, or inwardly rotated to be placed in the accommodation space.