Foldable Table Leg Locking Mechanism Using Lever-Based Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable table leg locking mechanisms rely on spring elastic force, which can be insufficient for long legs under external forces, leading to unintended folding, and excessive force can deform the linking crosspiece, necessitating strengthening.
Innovation Solution
A long leg fixing device with a crossbeam structure, featuring a lever and latch mechanism that grips a seat portion on the crossbeam, allowing for two-step operation to maintain and release the open leg state without relying on spring force, using a hook to engage with a base pin for locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spring elastic force is used to maintain the open-leg state, then the mechanism can be simple, but the elastic force may be insufficient for long legs under external forces causing unintended folding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the spring-based elastic force mechanism with a lever-based mechanical locking system. The lever engages with a seat portion on the crossbeam to maintain the open-leg state, eliminating reliance on spring force that may be insufficient for long legs. This mechanical substitution provides more reliable stability without depending on elastic force limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a lever as an intermediary component between the user's manual operation and the leg positioning. The lever acts as a mechanical mediator that translates small user inputs into secure locking or unlocking actions, providing reliable control over the open-leg state without requiring strong spring forces.
2Reliability
If spring elastic force is excessive to ensure stability, then the open-leg state is maintained reliably, but the linking crosspiece may be deformed requiring strengthening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the spring elastic force system with a lever-based mechanical locking system. This replacement eliminates the need for excessive spring force that would deform the crosspiece, while still providing reliable stability through the lever's mechanical engagement with the seat portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the spring component from the system entirely, removing the source of excessive elastic force that causes crosspiece deformation. The stability function is achieved through the lever mechanism instead, which provides reliable locking without the harmful side effects of strong spring forces.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is used to maintain the open-leg state, then stability is improved, but the operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lever serves multiple functions: it acts as both the operating handle for user control and the locking component that maintains the open-leg state. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall operation while providing reliable stability, as the same component that the user manipulates is also what secures the position.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever mechanism is designed to be self-locking through its geometric engagement with the seat portion. Once positioned, the lever automatically maintains the open-leg state without requiring additional locking actions or complex mechanisms, making the operation simple while ensuring stability.
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 mechanism securely maintains the open leg state without strong springs, enabling easy operation of opening and closing the legs through a lever-based two-step process, reducing the risk of unintended folding and deformation.
Implementation Method 1
a lever (11) that swings around the arm pin (13) inserted through the base (12)
Implementation Method 2
a lever (11) that swings around the arm pin (13) inserted through the base (12); and an arm (8) and a latch (9) adapted to be interlocked with the swing of the lever (11)
Implementation Method 3
a hook (20) that moves together with the swing of the lever (11), and said hook (20) engages with a base pin (21) included in the base (12)
Data Source
AI summary
A long leg fixing device for a table that is erected using four long legs having a structure in which two of the long legs are linked by means of a crossbeam portion, and the two long legs are fitted to the table in such a way as to be capable of pivoting by means of a hinge, move together to open and close the legs, comprising: a base fixed to the table; a lever that swings around the arm pin inserted through the base; and an arm and a latch adapted to be interlocked with the swing of the lever; whereby said arm and said latch grip a seat portion mounted on a crossbeam portion. The device maintains the open-leg state by means of engagement with a component on the side surface of the linking crosspiece, and facilitates an operation to release a closed-leg state.