Hinged Ironing Board Leg Spring for Stable Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collapsible ironing boards with hinged legs are prone to accidental folding when moved in the open position and may open unintentionally when trying to keep them closed, especially when weighted by a steam generator, leading to instability in both positions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating return means, such as a spring and rigid rod, connected to the hinged leg segments, which exert a force parallel to the leg direction to maintain the open position and improve stability by applying a return force when folded, ensuring the leg remains open or closed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hinged leg is used to enable folding, then ease of folding is improved, but stability in open and closed positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism applies a preliminary counteracting force to prevent the hinged leg from accidentally folding or opening. The spring is pre-loaded to exert a force that opposes unintended movement, thereby maintaining stability in both open and closed positions while preserving the folding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism introduces a dynamic element that adapts to the position of the hinged leg. The spring force varies with the leg's position, providing maximum stabilization when needed (during transitions) and maintaining stability in both open and closed states, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of folding and positional stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If items weighing down the board are added, then stability in open position is improved, but risk of accidental folding increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism provides a preliminary counteracting force that offsets the weight of added items. By pre-loading the spring, it exerts a continuous stabilizing force on the hinged leg that prevents accidental folding even when heavy items like steam generators are mounted on the board.
3Reliability
If return means are added to improve stability, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is designed to be self-regulating and requires no external control or adjustment. The spring automatically exerts the necessary force to maintain stability in both open and closed positions, and the system self-adjusts as the leg moves between positions, eliminating the need for complex control mechanisms.
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 enhances the stability of the ironing board in both open and closed positions, allowing for secure movement and storage by preventing accidental folding or opening, even when weighted.
Implementation Method 1
the return means comprise a spring
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible ironing board comprising a board arranged on two legs (1, 2) forming an X configuration, the center of the X constituting the central axis (C) about which the two legs (1, 2) can pivot; at least one (2) of the two legs being hinged and consisting of two continuous segments pivoting about a hinge axis (D), which ironing board is characterized in that it includes return means (R) located in the environment of the hinge axis (D), said return means (R) comprising a first end and a second end connected to the first segment and to the second segment, respectively, of the hinged leg (2).