Configurable Ironing Board Wings With Auto-Locking Hinge Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ironing board assemblies with detachable attachments are prone to misplacement and lack a stable configuration option without them.
Innovation Solution
An ironing board assembly with integrally and hingeably connected wings, featuring a spring-loaded bolt and keeper mechanism for auto-locking, allowing for reconfiguration without detachable attachments, enabling the wing to be rotated between extended and collapsed positions securely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If detachable attachments are used to extend the ironing surface, then the ironing board can be reconfigured for different garments, but the attachments may easily get misplaced
Solution Approach 1:
The wing extensions are integrally connected to the main board through hinge connections, forming a unified structure. This merging eliminates the risk of detachable attachments getting misplaced while preserving the ability to reconfigure the ironing surface for different garment types by rotating the wings between extended and retracted positions
2Adaptability or versatility
If detachable attachments are used to extend the ironing surface, then the ironing surface can be extended, but the configuration is not stable
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded locking mechanism is pre-configured to automatically engage when the wing reaches its extended position. This preliminary action ensures that the extended configuration is automatically stabilized without requiring user intervention to secure the attachment, thus maintaining both extendability and stability
3Adaptability or versatility
If wings are hingeably connected to allow rotation between extended and collapsed positions, then the ironing board becomes more versatile, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded locking mechanism operates automatically based on the wing's position. When the wing is rotated to the extended position, the mechanism self-activates to lock it in place; when retracted, it self-releases. This self-service operation eliminates the need for additional controls or complex manual locking procedures, reducing operational complexity despite the mechanical components
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 solution provides a stable and reconfigurable ironing surface that prevents wing misplacement and allows for easy switching between different configurations, enhancing usability and storage efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a spring driving the bolt forces the at least one locking stud of the bolt into sliding engagement with the at least one guide-groove of the keeper
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2a~2c
AI summary
An ironing board assembly (1), comprising an ironing board (2), including a main board (20) having a substantially flat ironing surface (22) that extends longitudinally between a first end and a second end; and at least one wing (40a,b,c) being integrally and movably connected to said main board (20) and having a wing surface (42a,b,c) for extending the ironing surface (22) of the main board (20).