Hinged joinery work table

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Solution Overview

Problem

Folding workbenches lack sufficient stability when subjected to transverse forces, often requiring additional mechanical members to prevent the feet from folding, which complicates operations like drilling and increases manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

A folding workbench design featuring a stabilization system with interconnected rigid elements and elastomeric martyrs that allow for rotational movements, providing stability without additional mechanical members, enabling the workbench to be easily transported and stored while maintaining stability during use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If additional mechanical members are added to stabilize the feet, then the stability of the workbench is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the stabilization function with the existing leg structure by integrating elastomeric martyrs into the foot elements. This merging eliminates the need for separate mechanical stabilization members while maintaining structural integrity and stability during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastomeric martyrs provide self-stabilizing properties to the leg elements through their material characteristics. The feet automatically resist transverse forces and maintain stability without requiring additional active mechanical components or complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Stability of the object's composition

If additional mechanical members are added to stabilize the feet, then the stability of the workbench is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The stabilization function is merged into the existing leg structure through the integration of elastomeric martyrs. This eliminates the need to manufacture and assemble separate mechanical stabilization components, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastomeric martyrs serve as simple, cost-effective stabilization elements that can be easily manufactured and integrated. These components provide adequate stabilization functionality without the high cost associated with complex mechanical stabilization systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If the workbench is designed to be foldable for transport, then the ease of transport is improved, but the stability during use deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of transportVSAvoidstability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The workbench design incorporates dynamic characteristics that allow it to transition between folded and unfolded states. The elastomeric martyrs provide the necessary friction and resistance to maintain stability during use while allowing easy folding for transport by releasing this resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The elastomeric martyrs act as intermediary elements between the leg elements and the ground. They provide the necessary friction and mechanical interlocking to ensure stability during use, while allowing the structure to be easily folded for transport when the stabilizing force is released.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 design ensures stability during use without additional mechanical support, allowing for operations like drilling and reducing manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for extra stabilization components, while also providing clearance and protection for tools.

Implementation Method 1

The at least one martyr is made of elastomeric plastic, such as rubber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The at least one means of rotation advantageously consists of a hinge or a hinge or a pivot produced by means of screws

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3354411B1Hinged joinery work table
Publication Date: 2019.09.04 MACC
  • EP3354411B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP3354411B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7
  • EP3354411B1 patent drawingFigure 8~10

AI summary

The invention relates to a folding workbench (1) comprising a worktop (2) resting on an arrangement of legs (3, 4), characterized in that it comprises at least one stabilization means (3, 4) cooperating with the underside of the plate and/or at least one stabilizing means (6) cooperating with the top of the plate, the at least one stabilizing means (3, 4, 6) extending perpendicularly to the length of the work plate in its unfolded working position, and ensuring the stability of the workbench when cutting a piece placed on the plate.