Foldable Workbench Push-Pull Leg Mechanism for Larger Usable Area

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing foldable workbenches are complex, costly, and inefficient in terms of space utilization due to additional subsystems like rack and pinion gears or belt and pulley systems, which increase manufacturing costs and reduce usable area.

Innovation Solution

A foldable workbench with a simple push and pull mechanism using guiding brackets and connecting rods to open and close legs, eliminating the need for complex gear systems and providing a more usable surface area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If rack and pinion gears or belt and pulley systems are used to open and close legs, then mechanical advantage is provided, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical advantageVSAvoidcomplexity of leg mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the complex gear and pulley subsystems from the workbench leg mechanism, retaining only the essential sliding and rotating components. This eliminates unnecessary complexity while preserving the core functionality of leg extension and retraction through simple guiding brackets and connecting rods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using complex mechanisms to provide mechanical advantage, the patent inverts the approach by using the user's direct pulling force on the handle, transmitted through simple links to the legs. The force application is reversed from a mechanical multiplication system to a direct force transmission system that achieves the same effect with fewer components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Force

If rack and pinion gears or complex linkages are used, then mechanical advantage is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical advantageVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive, complex mechanical subsystems with simpler, cheaper components that can be easily manufactured. The guiding brackets, connecting rods, and links are designed as straightforward metal components that require minimal machining and assembly, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Force

If complex gear mechanisms are used for leg operation, then mechanical advantage is provided, but usable area is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical advantageVSAvoidusable surface area

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the packaging space and structural bulk of complex gear mechanisms from the workbench design. By removing rack and pinion gears, belt and pulley systems, and associated housings, the entire usable surface area of the workbench is freed up, providing maximum workspace without mechanical obstructions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS12390920B2Foldable workbench with push and pull mechanism

Publication Date: 2025.08.19 APPL IND LTD

AI summary

Disclosed is a foldable workbench (100) with a simple push and pull mechanism for opening and closing of legs without compromising on quick opening and folding performance. The leg opening and closing mechanism of workbench (100) is provided without rack and pinion gears, belt and pulley system or complex linkages with bearings, etc. A simple pulling and pushing action of a handle extends and retracts the first and second pair of legs (20A, 20B) to open and close.