Folding Mechanism for Table Machine with Sliding Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobile stands for table machines face issues with safety and alignment during folding, as the weight of the table machine is not effectively converted into a folding force, leading to potential accidents and damage to locking mechanisms due to misalignment and sudden movements.
Innovation Solution
A folding mechanism comprising a rack, first and second legs, sliding units, and links that allow the mechanism to convert the weight of the table machine into a folding force, with sliding units slidably mounted on first legs and a lock system for secure alignment and operation, ensuring safe and stable folding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the mobile stand uses T-shaped lock members with through holes for locking and positioning, then the locking function is provided, but it is difficult to align the through holes and the lock members must be manually pulled or pushed, increasing operation complexity and risk of damage
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded lock member automatically engages with the slot on the leg when the leg is inserted into the rack, and automatically disengages when the leg is removed. The spring force drives the lock member into the locked position without requiring manual operation, making the system self-servicing and eliminating the need for manual pulling or pushing of lock members
Solution Approach 2:
The slot on the leg acts as an intermediary between the lock member and the leg positioning system. The lock member engages with this slot to provide locking, while the slot's geometry guides the lock member into proper alignment automatically, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment of through holes
2Productivity
If the mobile stand allows the second legs to move rapidly toward the first legs during folding, then the folding action is completed quickly, but the elastic force of springs accelerates the movement causing potential accidents
Solution Approach 1:
The lock members are designed to automatically engage with the slots on the legs before the folding action begins. This preliminary locking prevents the legs from moving rapidly toward each other during the folding process, counteracting the harmful effect of spring elastic force and preventing sudden movements that could cause accidents
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded lock members provide a cushioning effect by gradually engaging with the slots during the folding process. The spring mechanism absorbs the energy from the rapid movement and controls the folding speed, preventing sudden impacts and potential accidents while still allowing the folding action to complete
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 safely and stably converts the weight of the table machine into a folding force, preventing accidents and ensuring convenient operation by maintaining alignment and stability throughout the folding process, with an automatic locking system for secure positions.
Implementation Method 1
effectively convert the weight of the table machine that is supported on the folding mechanism into a force necessary for folding the folding mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A folding mechanism operatable between an extended position and a received position is disclosed to include a rack for supporting thereon a table machine, a pair of first legs and a pair of second legs respectively pivoted to the rack for supporting the rack above the floor, two first links respectively pivoted to the rack, two sliding units slidably and respectively sleeved onto the first legs and pivotally and respectively connected with the first links, and two second links respectively pivoted to the sliding units and the second legs. The first and second links and the sliding units are moved with the second legs toward the first legs upon folding the folding mechanism from the extended position to the received position, and at the same time the sliding units are slid along the first legs, assuring safety and stability of the folding action.