Folding Work Bench Frame With Gravity-Release Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable work benches with integral clamping tables are difficult to fold due to weight and awkward movement requirements, often trapping foreign objects between hinged frame components, making them cumbersome to carry and store.
Innovation Solution
A folding mechanism where the frame is held in the 'in-use' position by latched members that release under gravity, allowing the work bench to fold into a compact position with a latchable bar and movable catches, enabling easy conversion between open and closed states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the work bench frame is made foldable to minimize storage space and ease of carrying, then the compactness and portability are improved, but the folding operation becomes difficult and awkward due to the weight of the work bench and the movements required
Solution Approach 1:
The latched members are pre-positioned to engage with the frame at specific locations. Before folding occurs, these latches are already in place to guide the folding path, eliminating the need for user coordination of multiple movements and reducing the difficulty of the folding operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The latched members automatically engage and disengage during the folding operation without requiring user intervention. The mechanism uses the frame's own weight and geometry to drive the latches into engagement, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for manual activation of multiple catches.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional folding mechanisms with multiple catches are used, then the frame can be folded in stages, but foreign objects easily become trapped between hinged frame components
Solution Approach 1:
The complex multi-stage catching mechanism is replaced by extracting the essential function of controlled folding into a single latched member system. This simplification removes the multiple hinged components and catching points where foreign objects could become trapped, while maintaining the staged folding capability through the geometry of the latched members.
3Ease of operation
If the latchable bar is designed to be releasable to allow folding under gravity, then the ease of folding is improved, but accidental activation may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The latched members are designed with a preliminary engagement feature that requires a specific activation motion to disengage. This preliminary anti-action prevents accidental release by ensuring that normal handling or movement of the work bench cannot inadvertently trigger the folding mechanism, while still allowing intentional activation when needed.
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 allows for effortless folding and unfolding of the work bench under gravity, minimizing storage space and ease of carrying, while preventing accidental activation and ensuring secure latching in both positions.
Implementation Method 1
the latchable bar is releasable in order to allow both main joints to fall due to gravity
Data Source
AI summary
A work bench including a frame foldable between an in-use position and a closed position. A table surface is connected to the frame. The frame includes two sides, the two sides connected to each other with a latchable bar and one or more fixed crossbars. The work bench also includes movable catch which is movable from a position in which it retains the latchable bar at the latched position to maintain the work bench in an in-use position, and a released position in which the latchable bar is release from the catch to allow the work bench to be folded into a closed position.