Ironing Board with Fixed Pivot for One-Hand Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional ironing boards require two hands to open and collapse due to the need for sliding pivot manipulation, making the process cumbersome and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
An ironing board design featuring an upwardly extending support that rotates about a fixed pivot, allowing for self-support during opening and collapsing, reducing the need to change grip and minimizing effort, with a locking mechanism to secure the board in the ironing orientation and a collapsible support strut for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a sliding pivot is used to connect the collapsible support to the board, then the ironing board can be collapsed compactly, but the opening and collapsing process becomes cumbersome requiring two hands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional sliding pivot mechanism with a spring-loaded latch system. The latch automatically engages when the legs are collapsed and can be easily released with one hand, eliminating the need for two-handed operation required by sliding pivots while maintaining compact collapse capability
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded latch automatically engages to lock the legs in the collapsed position without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by automatically securing the compact configuration, freeing the user's hands while maintaining the collapsed state
2Ease of operation
If the pivot is not fixed relative to the support, then the board can be manipulated more freely, but the support structure becomes less stable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic locking system where the latch can be easily engaged and disengaged. During manipulation, the latch remains engaged providing stability, but can be quickly released to allow free movement between collapsed and extended positions, balancing stability and maneuverability
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is divided into separable components (latch, legs, board) that can be independently manipulated. The latch acts as a separate locking element that secures the legs to the board, allowing the board to be manipulated freely when the latch is engaged while maintaining structural integrity
Data Source
AI summary
An ironing board having a board, an upwardly extending support that is self-supporting, and a pivot that pivotally connects the board and the upwardly extending support. The pivot being arranged so that the board is rotatable about the pivot and relative to the upwardly extending support between a stowed orientation and an ironing orientation. The pivot is fixed relative to both the board and the upwardly extending support.