Folding Table Leg Latch Structure to Prevent Accidental Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding table leg apparatuses are either too large for compact storage, risk accidental contact and actuation, or have components that can cause pinching, and do not provide a stable and secure locking mechanism for varying table sizes.
Innovation Solution
A compact folding table leg apparatus with a U-shaped mounting plate, internal torsion springs, and a mechanism that includes upper and lower pivot rods, swivel brackets, and brace links, where the actuator plates are protected within the mounting flanges to prevent accidental actuation and the locking mechanism is secure and stable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the folding leg apparatus uses external release brackets and actuator plates, then the locking mechanism is secure, but the components risk accidental contact and actuation by users
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism components (actuator plates, pivot arms, locking notches) are nested within the mounting flanges, which are themselves integrated into the mounting plate structure. This nesting protects the release mechanism from accidental contact while maintaining secure locking functionality when intentionally activated.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting flanges serve as an intermediary protective structure between the external environment and the release mechanism components. Users interact with protected actuator plates rather than directly with the locking notches and pivot arms, preventing accidental actuation while allowing intentional release.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the folding leg apparatus uses a compact design with components contained within mounting flanges, then accidental contact is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate and mounting flanges are merged into a single integrated U-shaped structure, and the release mechanism components are merged within the confines of the flanges. This consolidation achieves protection from accidental contact while minimizing overall structural complexity compared to separate external components.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the actuator plates are positioned between the mounting flanges, then accidental actuation is prevented, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator plates have different properties in different locations: the portion between the mounting flanges is protected and structurally integrated, while the exposed portion is designed for easy manual actuation. This local differentiation prevents accidental actuation while maintaining user-friendly operation.
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 apparatus is compact enough for various table sizes, protects against accidental contact and actuation, and provides a stable and secure locking mechanism, ensuring safe and easy operation.
Implementation Method 1
A torsion spring 36 pivotably mounted on the outside of each support bracket 20 provides a positive torque to each lever arm 32 to keep it in its locked position
Data Source
AI summary
A folding leg apparatus for an article of furniture having a top and a support leg movable between an extended and a folded position comprises a mounting plate configured for attachment to the top of the article of furniture and including a pair of mounting flanges extending along opposite sides of the mounting plate, an upper pivot rod attached to the support leg adjacent the top end, a first pivoting connection between each end of the upper pivot rod and a corresponding one of the pair of mounting flanges and a second pivoting connection between the support leg and a corresponding one of the pair of mounting flanges offset on the support leg from the upper pivot rod. A latch mechanism is provided that includes a pair of pivot arms, each pivotably mounted to a corresponding one of the pair of mounting flanges and positioned between the flanges. Each of the pivot arms includes an actuator plate positioned between the flanges and adapted to be manually pressed. The actuator plates are space apart to receive the support leg passing therethrough. Each of the pivot arms further defines a locking notch configured to capture the upper pivot rod therein when the support leg is in its extended position and the pivot arms are in a locking position. A pair of torsion springs are each operatively anchored to a corresponding one of the pivot arms to bias the pivot arms to the locking position and operable to resist rotation of the pivot arms when the corresponding actuator plate is manually pressed, each of the torsion springs positioned between the mounting flanges.