Locking Folding Workbench for Compact Tool Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Home workshop spaces often lack sufficient storage and security for tools, as traditional workbenches occupy constant space and tools are not securely storable when not in use, posing a theft risk.

Innovation Solution

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

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional work bench is used, then tools can be stored and accessed, but the work bench occupies constant space whether in use or not

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidwork bench footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The work bench is designed with movable and foldable components including the work surface that can be folded up against the back board, legs that can be collapsed, and a top storage shelf that can be repositioned. This dynamic design allows the bench to transition between an unfolded working configuration and a folded compact configuration for storage, eliminating the need to occupy constant space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If tools are hung on hooks for ready access, then tools are easily accessible, but tools are not securable against theft when the work bench area is not in use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool accessibilityVSAvoidtool security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The back board is divided into an upper section with hooks for tool accessibility and a lower section with a storage compartment. Tools can be hung on hooks during work, and when folding the bench for storage, the work surface folds over to cover and lock the storage compartment containing tools, providing security while maintaining accessibility during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A locking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the work surface and the storage compartment. The locking mechanism includes a lockable hasp that secures the storage compartment, and when the work surface is folded up, it covers and locks the tools within the compartment, transitioning the tool storage from accessible to secured state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Area of stationary object

If a folding work bench is used to save space, then the work bench can be stored compactly, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvework bench footprintVSAvoidfolding mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The folding work bench is divided into separable components: a back board with support struts, a work surface with front legs, rear legs, and a top storage shelf. Each component can be independently folded or detached, simplifying the overall folding mechanism while achieving compact storage. The segmented design allows straightforward assembly and disassembly without complex interlocking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS7909073B2Folding work bench

Publication Date: 2011.03.22 INTERNATIONAL E Z UP INC

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.