Folding Workbench Structure for Compact Tool Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Home workshop and garage spaces are often limited, and existing workbenches occupy constant space whether in use or not, lacking space-saving solutions and secure tool storage when not in use.

Innovation Solution

A folding workbench design that compacts for storage, featuring a durable work table, top storage shelf, back board for tool hanging, and a locking mechanism to secure tools, allowing for minimal space occupation and easy conversion between folded and unfolded configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a permanent work bench structure is used, then tool storage and work surface are readily accessible, but it occupies constant space whether in use or not

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool accessibilityVSAvoidspace occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The work bench is designed with movable components including the work table that can be folded up against the back board member, front legs that pivot to fold against the table, and rear legs that pivot to fold against the back board member. This dynamic structure allows the bench to transition between an unfolded working configuration and a folded compact configuration, resolving the contradiction between space occupation and tool accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If tools are hung on hooks for ready access, then tool availability is improved, but tools cannot be secured against theft when not in use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool availabilityVSAvoidtool security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The back board member is designed to move with the work table, maintaining its position relative to the table during folding operations. This ensures that tools hung on the back board member remain accessible during work while being securely contained within the compact folded structure during storage, simultaneously achieving tool availability and security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Area of stationary object

If the work bench is designed to fold compactly, then space-saving storage is achieved, but structural stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage spaceVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The work bench is divided into distinct segments including the work table, front legs, rear legs, and back board member, each connected through pivotal joints. This segmentation allows independent movement of each component during folding operations, enabling compact storage while maintaining structural integrity through the coordinated movement of segmented parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pivotal connections between components allow the structure to dynamically adjust its configuration. When unfolded, the structure provides stability for work; when folded, the same dynamic joints enable compact storage. The back board member's movement with the work table ensures continuous structural coherence throughout the transformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS7730916B2Folding work bench
Publication Date: 2010.06.08 INTERNATIONAL E Z UP INC
  • US7730916B2 patent drawing
  • US7730916B2 patent drawing
  • US7730916B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The folding work bench folds compactly for storage when not in use and occupies a minimal work space. The folding work bench has a durable work surface, a top storage shelf, a back board for hanging tools, a locking mechanism, and a work table that can be folded up against the back board and locked in a compactly folded configuration that also secures the tools on the back board in the work bench.